Following a closed session personnel discussion, Keith Millhouse, chairman of the board of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) announced that Metrolink CEO David Solow will change his role at the agency effective December 15.

The board and Solow agreed that he will step down as CEO and, for the balance of this fiscal year, will remain with the agency, devoting full time to the interagency collaborations necessary for Metrolink to implement safety enhancements, including positive train control and interoperability agreements.

To lead the agency into this new era of commuter rail, the SCRRA board will immediately begin the recruitment of a successor Chief Executive Officer. In the interim, it was announced that Eric Haley will serve as interim CEO.

"Because I remain dedicated to our top priority of enhancing safety and leading in the development and implementation of new technology, I am pleased to be able to continue  this aspect of the work that I have begun," said Solow. "I look forward to a smooth transition with Eric and the Metrolink team."

The SCRRA authorized a two member ad hoc committee to negotiate final contract terms with both Solow and Haley.

The board anticipates hiring a CEO within the first half of 2010.