Metro Transit announced Brian Funk will serve as the agency’s next deputy GM/COO.

Funk has filled the role in an acting capacity since Vince Pellegrin's 2021 retirement.

The deputy GM/COO helps develop budgets, leads labor negotiations, and coordinates emergency procedures, among other responsibilities. 

“From experience, I know there are hardworking and talented people across the organization who are eager to take us into the future,” Funk said. “One of the most exciting parts of this role is the chance to support and celebrate that work.”

Funk’s career in transit began as a city bus operator while working on his degree at Iowa State University. He joined Metro Transit in 2002 as a Transit Control Center supervisor and has served as an assistant transportation manager, garage manager, assistant director-field operations, and director of light rail operations. Funk was named deputy COO-Bus in 2016.

Funk served as the executive sponsor for the Metropolitan Council’s first Employee Resource Group, Advancing Women in Transit, and has served as a mentor through the Council’s MentoringWorks program. 

He is a 2019 graduate of Leadership APTA and in 2020 was recognized by the Minnesota Public Transit Association as the state’s transit professional of the year.