SEPTA names Jeffrey Knueppel as its new GM

Jeffrey D. Knueppel, PE, was named the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) next GM, succeeding Joseph M. Casey, who is retiring at the end of the month.

With his appointment, Knueppel will oversee 9,300 employees and full operation of the sixth largest transportation agency in the country.

Prior to his appointment, Knueppel, a 27-year veteran SEPTA employee, served as deputy GM in charge of two divisions — operations and engineering, maintenance and construction (EM&C), as well as several staff support departments.

Knueppel joined SEPTA in 1988 as an entry level structural engineer where his projects focused on the repair of aging elevated transit structures, bridges and tunnels. He quickly moved up within the organization and after several job advancements was promoted to chief engineer at the age of 36. He was assistant GM/chief engineer of the EM&C Division, before assuming the responsibility of deputy GM.

Under Knueppel's direction, the SEPTA team successfully completed 32 transit infrastructure improvement projects as part of its $191 million Stimulus program. The SEPTA ARRA Program has been nationally recognized for its efficiency, effectiveness, and innovative program management.

He plans to continue working with his team to advance the “Rebuilding the Future” program designed to tackle the backlog of state of good repair; facility improvement; and fleet upgrade projects, made possible by Pennsylvania Act 89 funding, as well as “System Resiliency,” an FTA funded program to protect against severe weather related impacts. In the near future, he plans to introduce to the public his goals to make SEPTA the region's preferred choice for transportation.