Richmond, Va.’s GRTC selected Sheryl Adams to serve as its next CEO, following a search that was launched in September 2022.

Adams has been with GRTC for 24 years and has led various departments, including operations, safety, and training.

“We trust Sheryl can continue to lead our transit agency to new heights and are even more excited to be placing our first African American woman in the leadership seat for our agency,” said Board Chair Tyrone Nelson. “We believe Sheryl has cultivated her relationships with the workforce here at GRTC over the years that will continue to foster a family-like environment with our union and administration staff to keep the agency moving forward.”

The board decided that Adams would no longer serve as the interim CEO in a closed session and voted to appoint her in a permanent role. The board will work with her to finalize a contract in the coming weeks.

“I am grateful that the board has continued to place its trust in me to lead this organization. I have great pride in GRTC as we continue to provide clean, safe, and reliable transportation options,” said Adams.

Additionally, Adrienne Torres, chief of development, will be promoted to chief of staff and assist Adams with chartering the agency into a new course of leadership. Torres climbed through the ranks beginning at GRTC in 2014 and most recently oversaw the Planning & Scheduling, Marketing, and Communication, Information Systems of GRTC, and RideFinders, GRTC’s central Virginia ridesharing arm.

“Public Transit is at a pivotal moment as we have historic investments from the federal, state, and local level and embark on expanding service across the region I call home. I could not be more excited to help build a regional system that further connects everyone,” Torres said.