METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Valley Metro removes interim tag, names Scott Smith CEO

He will continue to guide the region’s transit system responsible for building and operating light rail, regional bus, Dial-a-Ride, and vanpool.

November 11, 2016
Valley Metro removes interim tag, names Scott Smith CEO

 

2 min to read


Both Phoenix’s Valley Metro RPTA and the Valley Metro Rail boards of directors finalized an employment agreement with Scott Smith that will transition his service to CEO.

Smith, former Mayor of Mesa, has been Valley Metro’s Interim CEO since Feb. 1, 2016. He will continue to guide the region’s transit system responsible for building and operating light rail, regional bus, Dial-a-Ride, and vanpool. The system has nearly $2 billion in assets and an annual budget of nearly $500 million.

Ad Loading...

“Scott Smith has been extremely responsive to the boards, implementing critical changes and refocusing Valley Metro with a refreshing level of professionalism, accountability, and integrity,” said Valley Metro RPTA Board Chair and Phoenix Councilmember Thelda Williams. “During his time here, we have experienced the value of his combined public and private sector leadership experiences and determined they are a perfect fit for this vital public agency and its future.”

Smith, an Arizona native and Mayor of Mesa from 2008 to 2014, has been a private sector CEO, attorney, and certified public accountant. As mayor, Smith reduced government spending, balanced the budget, and slimmed the workforce by 10%, making city government leaner, more efficient, and more accountable, according to Valley Metro’s press release.

Following a nationwide search, the boards of directors have offered Smith the CEO position for a period of two years. Salary and other contract details are being finalized.

More Management

Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
Amanda Wanke
Managementby StaffMarch 13, 2026

Des Moines DART CEO Joins Minneapolis Metro Transit

Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.

Read More →
A black, white, and red SEPTA graphic with text reading "New routes to new places."
Managementby StaffMarch 12, 2026

SEPTA to Launch New Bus Network Redesign in August

The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A CDTA bus in Albany, New York
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 12, 2026

CDTA Outlines Mobility Vision at 2026 State of the Authority Event

In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.

Read More →
An up close image of WMATA priority seating sticker reminders.
Managementby StaffMarch 11, 2026

WMATA Introduces Priority Seating Reminder Pilot for Metro Riders

The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.

Read More →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →