Pittsburgh's Port Authority Rewards CEO with Four-Year Contract Extension

Port Authority of Allegheny County's Board voted unanimously to extend the contract of CEO Katharine Kelleman for four years, through 2025.

"Katharine has exceeded our expectations in the time she's been at Port Authority," said Port Authority Board Chair Jeff Letwin. "Not only has she established a vision for public transportation and implemented a long list of improvements that benefit riders and employees, but she has also become a vital part of this community as it charts its future beyond the pandemic."

Kelleman joined Port Authority as CEO in February 2018. Under her leadership, the agency saw its highest ridership totals in more than a decade before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through the pandemic, the agency has been able to continue to provide transit service without any layoffs.

Also during Kelleman’s tenure, Port Authority adopted its first long-range transportation plan, implemented its mobile ticketing application and a new customer-friendly fare policy, and removed employment barriers by implementing Ban the Box.

Her new contract expires in December 2025. Her base salary will be $269,500 a year, a 5% increase over her previous contract. It also includes 5% annual raises and the opportunity for annual performance bonuses of up to 20% of her salary.

"I am grateful to the Board for their continued support," Kelleman said. "We've accomplished a great deal already and I'm looking forward to so much more in the years ahead."