People on the move: City of Glendale, Cincinnati Metro

The city of Glendale, Ariz., and Cincinnati Metro have made new appointments to their respective leadership teams. 

City of Glendale names next director of transportation 

The city of Glendale has named Ryan Lee its new director of transportation. 

Lee, who most recently served as the city’s director of government relations, will manage all facets of the city’s transportation department, which includes its airport and transit services, as well as its pavement management program. He also will direct the activities and staff involved in traffic signals, road signs and street striping and will oversee transportation strategic planning, traffic engineering and city school education programs. Additionally, Lee will help steer the city in developing recommendations regarding its transportation and airport master plans, as well as the department’s capital improvement plan.

“Ryan Lee is a proven leader in Glendale and has worked alongside our transportation staff in every area of transit and transportation,” said Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps. “He understands the vital connection between transportation and successful economic development strategies. He is fully prepared to help Glendale deliver on our significant investment in transportation infrastructure and services, which increase our residents’ quality of life and ensure their safety.” 

Lee has been involved in Glendale transportation strategies for more than a decade in city, county, state and federal government settings. He helped the city receive an infusion of $151 million into its transportation department as part of the city’s share of arterial funding within the Proposition 479 Regional Transportation Sales Tax.  

“I am excited to join an incredible group of transportation leaders who are widely recognized as top experts in their fields,” Lee said. “The Glendale City Council has made transportation infrastructure and the safety of our residents a top priority, and I am committed to making sure that the Transportation Department accomplishes that.” 

Lee earned a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Arizona University. 

Cincinnati Metro promotes Troy Miller to director of government affairs  

Cincinnati Metro has promoted Troy Miller to director of government affairs. Miller brings more than 30 years of experience in the transit industry to his new role, where he will lead Metro’s local, state and federal legislative strategies and partnerships. 

Miller began his career at Cincinnati Metro as an A-Rate mechanic. He went on to become a key figure in transit advocacy and workforce development, serving in the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 627 for 21 years, including 12 years as president from 2011 to 2023. In that role, he worked to represent workers and advance shared goals around safety, reliability and investment in public transportation. 

The agency says that throughout his career, Miller has worked closely with elected officials and community stakeholders to advance key initiatives. 

“Troy has been an invaluable asset to our team, and his deep understanding of the industry, workforce and region makes him the perfect leader for this role,” said Cincinnati Metro Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Brandy Jones. “We are confident he will continue to be a strong voice for [Cincinnati] Metro and the communities we serve.” 

As director of government affairs, Miller will continue to focus on aligning Cincinnati Metro’s strategic priorities with opportunities for public investment, advocating for policies that enhance regional mobility and ensuring the agency remains at the forefront of transit innovation.