The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position is responsible for sustaining and growing VRE's ridership, providing world-class customer service, and overall management of the agency, including safety and security, which are of the highest priority. The position exercises executive leadership responsibilities in achieving VRE's vision and strategic plan; establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the VRE Operations Board, the parent commissions and internal staff; and in maintaining and expanding cooperative relationships with the host railroads, CSX and Norfolk Southern and representatives of Amtrak, various transit connection services, regional emergency responder agencies, and federal, state, regional, and local government agencies. The CEO is a contract employee of both commissions and reports to the VRE Board.
Primary responsibilities of the CEO position include:
ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT / GOVERNANCE
Drives ridership growth and delivers world-class customer experience in line with Board policy and strategic priorities.
- Collaborates with the VRE Operations Board, the two parent Commissions, and local government sponsors—alongside the Commissions' executive directors and other stakeholders—to support effective decision-making.
- Executes responsibilities as assigned by the VRE Operations Board and outlined in the VRE Master Agreement. Partners with the VRE Operations Board Chair to prepare the agenda and provide regular reports to the Board on operational performance and other matters as requested.
- Directs the management of organizational functions including finance, administration, planning, rail and mechanical operations, procurement, capital program administration, human resources, marketing, customer service, information technology, legislative advocacy, and coordination with Legal Counsel appointed by the Provides executive leadership for contracted rail and mechanical operations.
- Provides executive leadership for contracted rail and mechanical operations. Work collaboratively with all partners and stakeholders to ensure execution of the service plan.
- Facilitates and maintains relationships with Congress, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Virginia Transit Association (VTA), Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), local governments, public and media relations), Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). Provides executive leadership for contracted rail and mechanical operations. Work collaboratively with all partners and stakeholders to ensure execution of the service plan.
- Work collaboratively with all partners and stakeholders to ensure execution of the service plan.
SAFETY & SECURITY / RISK MANAGEMENT
As the Chief Safety Officer, sets the safety culture and tone for the overall organization.
- Provides executive leadership over VRE's safety management system and transit asset management practices, ensuring full compliance with federal mandates under 49 USC 5329(d) and 5326.
- Leads the development and implementation of VRE's safety, emergency preparedness, and adherence to system safety protocols; prepares the agency for audits conducted by the FRA and other regulatory bodies.
- Oversees the development and implementation of a robust risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats to the organization.
- Manages actuarial reviews in support of agreements governing the Self-Insurance Trust administered by the Virginia Division of Risk Management.
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT & FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Oversees the development and execution of VRE's annual capital and operating budgets, ensuring alignment with Board-adopted guidelines and jurisdictional expectations.
- Leads a collaborative budget process with jurisdiction and commission staff and stakeholders, integrating cost control, revenue strategies, and long-term capital planning.
- Initiates revisions and updates to VRE's multi-year financial and capital improvement plans in accordance with the Master Agreement.
- Ensures financial accountability, internal controls, compliance with grant and legal requirements, and coordination with auditors, financial partners, and local jurisdictions.
- Oversees the development of VRE grant requests for regional, state, and federal financial assistance.
- Exercises financial stewardship and transparent reporting to VRE stakeholders.
SERVICE MANAGEMENT & CONTRACTS
Drives excellence in customer service through the collection and evaluation of customer satisfaction surveys and feedback.
- Identifies operational performance gaps and directs efforts to enhance on-time performance, customer satisfaction, service continuity, and operational efficiency.
- Directs and manages operations and maintenance of key contracts and access agreements to support reliable service. Leads railroad negotiations, oversees system maintenance and capital purchases (rolling stock and capital equipment replacements), and promotes procurement of essential materials and services.
- Partners with external rail entities (CSX, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak, transit connections, and regional emergency response) to support and enhance operations.
CAPITAL PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Provides strategic oversight of VRE's capital program delivery.
- Directs and oversees the VRE capital program, project delivery, and related contracts.
- Negotiates the acquisition and use of real property to support operational enhancements and capital projects.
STRATEGIC PLANNING & SYSTEM GROWTH
Leads the formulation and execution of strategic plans that drive long-term growth and service excellence.
- Drives the creation and delivery of VRE's Strategic Plan, including revenue forecasting, fare policy, capital planning, and service expansion and continuity.
- Oversees marketing, public relations, and customer service strategies to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Shapes and promotes VRE's legislative priorities in coordination with the Operations Board, Commissions, and local partners.
- Maintains strong relationships with funding agencies (federal, state, regional, and local government sponsors), host railroads (CSXT, Norfolk Southern, VPRA, and Amtrak), and other key stakeholders.
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION & TALENT MANAGEMENT
- Oversees organizational structure, staffing, and leadership development.
- Leads personnel management and compliance systems, and promotes a culture of excellence, accountability, and safety aligned with regulatory requirements.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
- Serves as VRE's public representative to internal and external stakeholders, building strong relationships with elected officials, partners, stakeholders, and the public.
- Represents the agency at regional and national forums, leads outreach efforts, and promotes public trust through clear communication and a positive agency image.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary for the position is negotiable dependent upon candidate education and experience and is aligned with the cost-of-living in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Benefits include but are not limited to participation in the Virginia Retirement System, vacation and sick leave, group life insurance, medical and dental insurance, professional dues and conference expenses. Relocation assistance is negotiable.
TO APPLY:
VRE has engaged Krauthamer & Associates (K&A), a retained executive search firm, to assist with this recruitment. To request more information or to apply by submitting a resume, please contact Gregg Moser, Partner at K&A, at ...@kapartners.com .
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