McMillan named executive director of Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Therese McMillan, former deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Obama Administration, has been named the executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
McMillan comes from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and will succeed Steve Heminger, who is retiring in February following 18 years as MTC's executive director. McMillan's new role at MTC also means she will serve as the top executive for the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
Prior to her time in Washington, D.C., McMillan worked for 25 years as part of MTC's staff and was MTC's deputy executive director for Policy before being appointed as FTA deputy administrator in 2009. She also served as acting FTA administrator from March 2014 to March 2016 an accepted a position to serve as LA Metro's planning chief in April 2016.
“I am excited to return to the Bay Area, and to all its beauty and opportunities,” said McMillan. “One of my primary goals is to make the Bay Area’s transportation and housing opportunities attainable to all people who reside across the Bay Area. Tackling this challenge will take vision. It also will require new and innovative partnerships among Bay Area communities, service providers, and leaders across government and the private sector. Working with the Commission, I will strive to lead MTC forward as an extraordinary visionary and partner.”
McMillan's last day with LA Metro will be Feb. 22 and she joins other recent high-profile departures including Stephanie Wiggins, who was named CEO of Metrolink, and Paula Tonilas, who returns to Denver to serve as Regional Transportation District assistant general manager, communications.
L.A. Metro CEO Phil Washington has expressed his commitment to grown transportation leaders and his desire for the L.A. Metro to serve as the farm team for the entire transportation industry.
“Therese’s passion, loyalty and no nonsense approach to the mission and to project delivery is very noteworthy,” Washington said. “I appreciate Therese’s dedication, creativity and commitment to excellence during her years here at LA Metro, and for building a strong Planning Department that will continue to benefit our region for many years to come.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.