Mass transit and rail infrastructure engineering firm SYSTRA appointed Richard White as chief strategic officer. In this new role, he will lead the development, communication, execution, and sustainment of SYSTRA’s corporate strategic initiatives. He will be based in SYSTRA’s Alexandria, Va., office.

Most recently, White served as acting president and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association. Leading this 1,500-member organization, he oversaw the association’s major activities.

White has more than 40 years of experience working with public transit agencies and private transportation consulting firms. His experience includes serving as the GM and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the fourth largest public transportation operator in the U.S. White also led the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District as deputy GM, then GM, overseeing a $240 million annual operating budget as well as a large system rehabilitation and expansion program. He has also held management positions with NJ Transit and Houston METRO.