The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Mero) today announced that its Board of Directors is resuming the search for a new GM and CEO.

The board abruptly halted its search for a GM in March amid tensions among members over what kind of chief executive was needed to lead the troubled transit agency. The board had selected three finalists for the job when the candidates abruptly pulled their names from consideration, The Washington Post reported.

The renewed search comes after gathering extensive feedback from the public, including Metro riders, community advocates, business leaders and stakeholders. In doing so, the Board has expanded the scope of its executive search to include GM/CEO candidates with financial management experience and those outside government and the transit industry.

A final selection is expected this fall.

“The Board is committed to re-energizing the search for a new chief executive who will provide Metro with effective leadership emphasizing safety as the top priority, exceptional financial management and the first-class service delivery for our customers that the region deserves,” said Metro Board Chairman Mortimer Downey.  

Metro’s Board of Directors appointed Jack Requa as Interim GM/CEO after the retirement of then GM/CEO Richard Sarles in January. Requa was most recently the Assistant GM for Bus Services. His leadership as interim GM will continue until the search has concluded.