In a unanimous vote today, the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Board of Directors named Paul P. Skoutelas to serve as its new president and CEO effective January 8, 2018.

Skoutelas has been a highly successful and respected national leader in the public transportation industry for more than 40 years.

Skoutelas served as CEO of public transit systems in Pittsburgh and Orlando, and most recently as sr. VP of WSP USA, one of the world’s largest architectural and engineering firms.  View his bio here​.

APTA Chair Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., who is CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority said, “Paul Skoutelas’ strong leadership skills, vision and energy are ideal to lead APTA in these transformational times for public transportation. He is a collaborative leader who brings the right blend of expertise and passion to ensure that the public transportation industry continues to play a critical role in connecting people to economic opportunities and a better quality of life.

“I am honored to be appointed to lead APTA, a great association that has played an important part in my career,” said Skoutelas. “Every day public transit connects millions of people to jobs, family, vital services and new opportunities. I pledge to work together with APTA members, our stakeholders, and elected officials so that we make the necessary transportation policy decisions and investments to grow our communities and our nation."

The appointment is the culmination of an extensive search process by a task force of APTA members chaired by Immediate Past Chair Doran J. Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit.   

Ford also commended Richard A. White, APTA’s acting president/CEO, for his strong and steady leadership during the last 19 months. White will remain at APTA for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.

Skoutelas, who resides in Pittsburgh, will relocate to Washington, D.C.​