Holly Arnold named MDOT MTA administrator

Holly Arnold has been named by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to be administrator of the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA). Arnold previously served as deputy administrator/chief planning and programming and engineering officer before being appointed acting administrator in June following the departure of Kevin Quinn.

Arnold has overseen all aspects of the agency’s six-year capital program; led the development of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan; successfully applied for more than $80 million in federal grants; spearheaded the agency’s asset management program; and oversaw the creation of the agency’s Transit Oriented Development guidelines and station area concepts. Her most recent accomplishment in her role as acting administrator is the launch of the $43 million Fast Forward initiative, an effort focused on improving transit reliability, travel times and customer safety, with the overall goal of enhancing the complete door to door transit experience.

In her role as administrator, she will oversee the 13th largest transit system in America, with an annual operating budget of $900 million and a six-year capital budget of more than $3 billion.

“Holly has proven herself to be a champion for transportation projects that have a powerful impact on the people she serves," said Gov. Hogan. “Her experience and ability to take on the most complicated challenges and see them through successfully makes her an ideal leader for MDOT MTA."

Arnold is officially taking the helm of the agency as the transit industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and as MDOT MTA continues to keep one of its most significant capital projects and the largest public-private partnership in the nation, the 16-mile Purple Line light-rail project, on the right track.

“For the last few months and for years before that, Holly has demonstrated the power of strong leadership and a commitment to innovation that is already helping to put MDOT MTA at the forefront of transit agencies nationwide," said Transportation Secretary Greg Slater. “Her strong skills are the perfect complement for her position as administrator."

Arnold holds an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She was recognized in 2018 as a Top 40 Under 40 Transit Professional by Mass Transit Magazine and as one of the 40 Under 40 Outstanding Young Leaders honored by the Baltimore Business Journal for her contributions to her organization and her community.