METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Zimmerman Named Director of Virginia’s DRPT

Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed Mariia Zimmerman as director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). 

Zimmerman most recently served as founder and principal of MZ Strategies, a Richmond-based planning and policy firm. In that role, she worked with states, regions, and organizations nationwide to advance transit-oriented development and implement transportation projects that improve mobility, access, and community outcomes. 

Her professional work includes extensive involvement in transportation planning initiatives throughout Virginia.

As director, Zimmerman will lead DRPT’s continued efforts to plan, fund, and deliver rail and public transportation initiatives that meet Virginia’s evolving transportation needs. Her appointment reflects a focus on strategic investment, strong partnerships, and forward-looking solutions that position the Commonwealth for long-term success.

HDR Names New Transit Program Management Lead

Brian Buchanan has been named HDR’s transit program management lead.

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Buchanan will bring together knowledge and expertise from across HDR’s transit and program management practices to deliver multifaceted transit programs, including bus rapid transit, streetcars, commuter rail, light rail, and heavy rail.

Before joining HDR in 2018, Buchanan spent nearly 15 years managing projects and planning for public agencies, gaining a valuable perspective on the needs of transit systems.

The transit program management practice that Buchanan will lead encompasses a wide range of services that HDR provides, including transportation program management, engineering design, project controls, and expertise in environmental, safety, utilities, architectural, systems, facilities, traffic engineering, and other disciplines.

Trinity Metro Names Brennan VP, Economic Development

Fort Worth, Texas’s Trinity Metro named Mike Brennan as the agency’s new VP, economic development.

Most recently serving as president of Near Southside Inc., Brennan has extensive experience in public-private development partnerships and capital improvement projects. 

At Trinity Metro, he will plan, direct, and manage Trinity Metro’s economic development activities, including advancing economic growth and maximizing the value of real estate assets. He will work closely with the business community, developers, property owners, and other stakeholders to implement the agency's economic development goals and objectives.

MCTS Taps Salas Jr. as VP/Deputy CEO

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) named Ruben Salas Jr. as its new VP/Deputy CEO. 

Salas brings 28 years of public transportation experience, with a strong background in large-scale operations, fleet maintenance, and strategic leadership.

He joins MCTS from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), where he served as assistant VP, bus maintenance. There, he led a large, multidivisional team of more than 400 employees. 

Before his role at DART, Salas began his public transit career on the frontline at Fort Worth Transportation Authority (Trinity Metro), in the maintenance department, where he advanced within the organization to senior leadership. He helped modernize fleet and maintenance operations, improve fleet reliability, reduce overtime costs, and strengthen day-to-day operations.

Snook to Executive Director, Capital Project Delivery, at TriMet

Portland, Oregon’s TriMet named Jamie Snook as executive director, capital project delivery. 

A former Metro project manager and TriMet employee since 2019, Snook brings nearly three decades of experience in transportation within this region to TriMet’s leadership team.

In her new position, Snook will oversee capital improvement and maintenance projects across TriMet. This is a particularly important position for TriMet, as it focuses on keeping the transit system in good repair, which includes maintaining the equipment, systems, and facilities that keep tens of thousands of riders moving every day, according to agency officials.

Snook moves into this position after serving as TriMet major projects director since 2021. She had been serving as the interim executive director since September.