LOS ANGELES - Phillip Washington, chief executive of the Regional Transportation District in Denver, was named March 12 to head the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
As Metro's chief executive, Washington will manage the transportation authority's $36 billion transportation infrastructure program.
"His experience in Denver delivering on projects is needed as we continue to expand the Metro system," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a prepared statement.
Washington has a reputation as a creative manager and leader who has come up with innovative ways to get projects done, said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, a Metro vice chair.
Washington became RTD's CEO in 2009 after serving as assistant general manager for nearly ten years.
In Denver, Washington oversaw the FasTracks program, one of the largest voter-approved transit expansion programs in the country.
He was responsible for a total agency budget appropriation of $2.8 billion and managed more than $5 billion in active transit expansion projects. Under his management, RTD's West Line Rail was completed eight months early and under budget, and the Denver Union Station was completed 5 months ahead of schedule, according to the Los Angeles mayor's office.
Originally from the south side of Chicago, Washington is a 24-year veteran of the United States Army where he held the rank of command sergeant major. Washington holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Columbia College and a M.A. in Management from Webster University.
Washington replaces Art Leahy, who announced plans to step down in January after six years.
