County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and members of the Port Authority of Allegheny County Board have introduced Katharine Eagan Kelleman, AICP as the new chief executive officer of the Authority. The Port Authority Board held a special meeting to formally vote to hire Kelleman.
“Our vision for this position has been to replicate the success that we’ve seen at the airport. The search has been about finding a person who reaches out, collaborates with the broader community, and embraces new technology, innovation and partnerships while understanding the need to connect our constituencies in new ways to their destinations,” said Fitzgerald. “Katharine has proven experience in running a transit agency, is collaborative and community-focused, and understands the need to enhance the customer experience. I’m excited about the energy that she brings to the table and look forward to a fresh approach to transit in our region.”
Previously, Kelleman was chief executive officer of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. Under her leadership, HART has expanded public-private partnerships, pursued travel options beyond traditional transit, launched a regional fare program, launched HART HyperLink — the country’s first transit agency-operated rideshare program, and is working on an autonomous vehicle pilot service expected to be launched in early 2018. Prior to stepping into the role of CEO, Kelleman was HART’s Chief Operating Officer from 2010-2015. She has also worked in the Maryland Transit Administration, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the city of San Angelo. Kelleman holds an MPA from Angelo State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Kelleman was awarded the Florida Diversity Council’s 2016 Power and Influential Women award, was named the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2016 Businesswoman of the Year for Economic Development, and was the Women Transportation Seminar’s Woman of the Year in Tampa Bay, 2016. She has also been recognized as one of Business Journal’s People to Watch in 2016 and made the Business Journal’s Power 100 list for 2017.
“Katharine’s credentials highlight her well-balanced experience along with a deep understanding of the importance of transit systems in connecting people to every aspect of their lives. Fundamentally, transit has become one of the most important, core infrastructure needs of our community. It touches constituencies from all socio-economic backgrounds, connecting communities and neighbors throughout our county,” said Jennifer Liptak, chair of the search committee. “We look forward to having Katharine join our team and providing her the opportunity to execute her vision for our agency moving forward.”
The Port Authority began its search in April 2017 with the assistance of a search firm. Its nationwide search led to the receipt of 43 applicants, presentation of 14 candidates, Skype interviews of eight candidates, in-person interviews of four candidates, and a round of second interviews for two of the candidates. The process was led by the Authority’s Search Committee which consisted of Authority Board Members Jennifer Liptak (chair), Rep. Dom Costa, John L. Tague, Jr., D. Raja and Michelle Zmijanac. All other board members served as ex-officio members of the committee.
“The Pittsburgh region has an international reputation as a hub for disruptive and dynamic innovation; it's also home to an incredibly strong sense of community and civic engagement,” said Kelleman. “The Port Authority is one of America's bedrock transit systems, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine 21st century mobility with an excellent customer experience. I'm incredibly excited to get to work.”
Kelleman and the Authority have agreed to a five-year contract with a base salary of $230,000. She will assume her new position in January 2018.
