METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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

Katharine Kelleman joined Port Authority as CEO in February 2018.

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

Katharine Kelleman's new contract expires in December 2025.

Photo: Port Authority

2 min to read


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."

Ad Loading...

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."

More Management

Cover photo for Transit Unplugged Episode 400
Managementby StaffMarch 6, 2026

Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes

The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.

Read More →
A recent generation New Flyer Electric Bus
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg

The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.

Read More →
Photo of public transportation system with APTA logo.
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B

The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A photo of rail tracks in Ottawa, Canada

Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency

On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.

Read More →
Photo of World Cup soccer ball.
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup

The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.

Read More →
ENC's John Obert
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

ENC Names New VP of Transit Sales

John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Disabled and senior passengers on a transit vehicle.
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

New 2026 Plan Aims to Expand Transportation Access Across Virginia

Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation."
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation Nationwide

A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.

Read More →
LIT Mentorship Program participants.
Managementby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Latinos In Transit Wraps Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program,

The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A WMATA bus at a transit center
Managementby StaffFebruary 27, 2026

WMATA Expands U-Pass Program

Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.

Read More →