WMSC Background

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) is recruiting for a Chief Executive Officer to undertake the challenges of leading and managing the state safety oversight agency for the second largest rail transit system in the United States. The WMSC oversees the safety of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail system, which operates rail transit in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. This recruitment is open to all who meet the required qualifications listed below. The selected candidate will be appointed by, and serve at the will of, the nine appointed WMSC Board of Directors (hereinafter “the Commissioners”). The Chief Executive Officer will serve as the principal executive and chief administrative officer for the WMSC and is supported by an executive leadership team and a staff of 18 technical and administrative professionals.

The selected candidate will ensure a commitment to an effective safety oversight program through direct leadership and policy development; role modeling and cultivating a productive work culture; establishing working relationships with WMATA leadership; building, managing and managing a team of skilled and qualified staff; and implementing practices which promote accountability across all organizational levels. The position is responsible for identifying and developing short, medium, and long-range operational strategies to ensure strong oversight of the WMATA Metrorail System; cost-effective SSOA operations; a positive working relationship with the Commissioners, the WMSC staff, WMATA personnel and other external stakeholders such as regulatory agencies, governmental bodies and safety-focused organizations. Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer must comprehend and execute strategies to effectively and collaboratively assess the safety changes underway at the WMATA Metrorail System, while remaining sensitive to pragmatic considerations in the operating environment. The Chief Executive Officer will perform other related duties as assigned and required by the WMSC Commissioners. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate responsiveness to the safety oversight requirements of WMATA Metrorail and the duties required by the WMSC.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for:

• Effectively administering the WMSC policy, requirements, and responsibilities for comprehensive state safety oversight of the WMATA Metrorail System.
• Ensuring and monitoring overall compliance with the WMSC Compact (Pub. Law 115-54, Aug. 22, 2017), Federal requirements, WMSC Commissioner requirements, and the WMSC Program Standard and policies.
• Developing key organizational operating and performance metrics aligned with the WMSC goals and priorities, and aligning with the WMSC Strategic Plan.
• Developing and leading strategic, safety-focused oversight with staff in support of the WMSC
• Developing, communicating, and executing policies concerning the day-to-day SSOA
• Contributing to and producing a variety of written materials for different
• Advising, consulting, and coordinating with jurisdictional partners, stakeholders, and interested transportation entities on pertinent legislative and regulatory matters.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with WMATA, Federal regulatory agencies, local and regional governments, and trade associations/special interest groups.
• Maintaining open, honest and transparent communication with the WMSC Commissioners and all levels of WMSC staff, WMATA, Federal regulatory agencies, jurisdictional partners, local and regional governments, the media, and trade associations/special interest groups.
• Building, maintaining, and evaluating a high-performing team while providing contemporary and connected leadership, ensuring all employees in the organization are aware of and understand their personal contribution to the overall execution of SSOA activities.
• Creating a work environment and culture that can attract and retain high-performing talent in the organization, supporting employee development using a model of continuous improvement.
• Ensuring that any staff member, contractor, or other agent of the WMSC is qualified to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with applicable requirements of the WMSC Compact, WMSC Program Standard, WMSC policies, and, as applicable, Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program.
• Developing and presenting the Annual Safety Report and Annual Operations Report to the WMSC Commissioners, and other reports as needed.
• Coordinating with entities that provide technical and administrative support to the
• Leading the WMSC’s response to all critical safety events at WMATA.

Qualifications

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience in an executive- or senior-level position in the transportation industry is required. At least five years of experience with transportation safety management systems and audit procedures is preferred.

The successful candidate will need to either have or develop knowledge and familiarity of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations related to public transit rail system safety.

Education

A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Engineering, Transportation, or a related field is required.

A Master’s degree or higher degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Residency Requirement

The CEO is expected to have a regular, routine presence at the offices of the WMSC. Telework/remote work is permissible on an occasional basis. It is expected that, within 90 days of hire, the successful candidate will reside within the National Capital Region

Physical Requirements

WMSC inspection, audit, and investigation work may take place at any time of day as warranted by emergency conditions or scheduled inspections (e.g. responding to a Metrorail event or conducting observations of overnight maintenance work). Work may take place on or about WMATA property where WMSC personnel must always be alert for: the approach of trains or rolling equipment; slips/trips/fall hazards; and hazardous materials. While on site, WMSC personnel must take precautions with electrical hazards associated with revenue and non-revenue vehicles and equipment, the third rail, and other traction power equipment throughout the Metrorail System. WMSC personnel may be exposed to unfavorable weather conditions, including temperature extremes and precipitation, and other environmental discomforts such as insects and vegetation on or about rail property.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for specific job functions. All WMSC personnel will comply with WMATA requirements for PPE as applicable to the circumstances, as well as with applicable industry standards.

Certifications

All WMSC staff positions require possession of a valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to travel to meetings, inspection locations, or event scenes as necessary. The Chief Executive Officer is required to obtain and maintain the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Certificate, including the Safety Management System Training component. Other industry-recognized transportation safety certifications and/or licensure are desirable.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess the abilities and skills to:

• Manage people in operational and corporate
• Present WMSC data, findings, and relevant information in small and large meeting
• Exercise critical thinking, analysis and managerial
• Develop and implement strategic
• Effectively organize, access, and produce a variety of written materials for different
• Consistently meet
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including, but not limited to: political leaders, the media, WMATA staff at all levels, community organizations, and external stakeholders concerning safety issues and the approaches to how these issues are being managed and resolved.
• In coordination with the WMSC Commissioners, serve as the face and voice of the WMSC in a crisis. Quickly learn the key aspects of an event, distill information, and communicate it appropriately.
• Lead the implementation of strategic and operational initiatives, with a strong work ethic in a multi-tasking
• Inspire, persuade, engage, and speak directly about complex
• Make tough decisions and take difficult
• Utilize balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience, and
• Strategically manage human, financial, and information Assess, streamline and remove processes that do not bring value. Measure success based on determined expectations. Set high standards of performance, using accountability measures and benchmarks to track progress.
• Build alliances and collaborate across boundaries to create strategic relationships. Inspire action without relying solely on authority. Perceive the complexity of situations quickly.

Salary

Salary is regionally competitive and will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Point of Contact

The WMSC has engaged Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) to perform this executive search. Interested candidates should contact Gregg Moser at gmoser@kapartners.com.