The New York-based Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s (RGRTA) board named deputy CEO Miguel Velázquez as its next CEO, beginning Jan. 1.

Velázquez is a long-time member of the Regional Transit Service (RTS) team. He joined the organization in 1999 as a member of the RTS Information Technology team and worked his way up to serve as CIO, COO, and deputy CEO, before being named CEO. During his 23 years at RTS, Velázquez has successfully overseen a number of significant, innovative projects. These include the transformation of the authority’s information systems; delivery of the nationally recognized and award-winning RTS Transit Center, which opened on budget and ahead of schedule; and the design and implementation of Reimagine RTS, the transit system redesign project that launched in 2021.

“I thank Chairman Jeffries and the board of commissioners for the opportunity to continue my career at RTS as CEO, and the honor of leading the immensely talented team we have here,” said Velázquez. “The future of RTS and public transit is bright. My goal as CEO will be to build on the great work we have done under the leadership of our current CEO Bill Carpenter. We will do that by growing the transit system through strategic partnerships that help address some of the most pressing community needs while excelling in quality, equitable, sustainable, and innovative service. I look forward to this exciting opportunity and am ready to get to work.”

The appointment of Velázquez as CEO was approved unanimously by the RGRTA board at a special meeting and is a result of the closely followed RGRTA CEO Replacement and Selection Process.

Velázquez will succeed current CEO Bill Carpenter, who joined RTS in November 2010 and took over as CEO in October 2011. For the next 11 years, Carpenter successfully led the organization through significant change and has been recognized as an innovative leader in the industry throughout New York State and across the country. Carpenter will be helping ensure a smooth transition until his retirement.

“The strength of RTS has always been rooted in the people who work here and their ability to consistently meet the mobility needs of our community,” said Carpenter. “As a long-time member of the RTS team, Miguel Velázquez has a strong record of success, and I am confident he will provide the leadership needed to meet the evolving needs of the community. Our community and customers are in good hands with Miguel at the wheel.”