Portland, Ore.’s TriMet hired Patrick Preusser to lead its Transportation Division. As executive director, transportation, Preusser will lead the operational activities for bus, MAX Light Rail, WES Commuter Rail, and LIFT paratransit service. The division includes about 1,750 employees who deliver more than 101 million rides a year.

Preusser brings 19 years of railway experience working in both public- and private-sector operations, including freight, commuter, passenger, and transit, all with a dedication to advancing safety and operations. He comes to TriMet from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he served as operations manager for the Saudi Railway Co. Prior to that, he was executive director, rail operations for L.A. Metro. Preusser has also worked for Amtrak and for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration.

“Patrick’s extensive experience and knowledge of rail operations will be a tremendous asset to TriMet as we improve the management, training, and oversight of the system,” said COO Doug Kelsey. “He will play a critical role in improving safety as we implement our rail safety audit.”