Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) appointed James M. Dougherty chief safety officer for Metro. He will begin his duties on April 19.

Dougherty, 52, will lead the transit agency’s continuous efforts to provide the region with safe public transportation services.

“I feel extremely privileged to join Metro,” said Dougherty. “This agency and its dedicated employees provide a vital service to our nation’s capital area. I will remember that millions of people rely on Metro daily, and it’s our duty to ensure they get where they want to go and then get home safely.”

Metro’s chief of safety oversees the Department of System Safety, which includes all safety involving passengers, vehicles, the environment, health and training, as well as the worker’s compensation office.

Dougherty brings to Metro 25 years of experience in transit safety, occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene and environmental protection. Most recently, he was the chief safety officer and director of safety, security and enforcement, for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. From 2004 to 2009, he served as GM, safety and security, at the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) in Charlotte, N.C. Prior to his tenure at CATS, Dougherty held safety leadership positions for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and served as a part-time police officer for 22 years.

He has completed more than 100 national and state-level safety courses. In October 2009, he received the National Safety Council’s Distinguished Service to Safety Award.