Jessica Mefford-Miller, executive director of St. Louis Metro Transit, has been selected by the Valley Metro Board of Directors to be the agency’s new CEO following an extensive, nationwide search. Mefford-Miller succeeds Scott Smith who announced last July his intention to retire in 2022.
Mefford-Miller’s experience in the St. Louis region saw her leading a team that delivered bus, light rail, paratransit and microtransit across the St. Louis metropolitan region. Notable highlights include leading Metro Transit through a reimaging of its bus system, which improved frequencies systemwide; creating a shift towards renewable energy through its battery electric bus program; overseeing the planning and design of expansions to the current 46-mile light-rail line; and leveraging the region’s rail investment to create thriving transit-oriented development.
“Jessica offers extensive transit experience with a strong dedication to the customer experience, innovation and collaborative partnerships,” said Valley Metro Board Chair and Mesa Councilmember Francisco Heredia. “She also clearly demonstrated an ingenuity to lead through change and create positive outcomes for the good of the organization, employees and riders. Her energy certainly matched ours as we consider the future of Valley Metro and its important role coming out of the pandemic and into an era where we continue to experience such incredible growth as a region!”
Mefford-Miller’s previous experience includes posts at the National Park Service, the Ohio Department of Transportation and The Ohio State University. Throughout her career she has focused on social equity, environmental sustainability, delivering excellent customer experiences and contributing to thriving regional economies.
“I am excited to join the team at Valley Metro at a time of tremendous growth and innovation within the metro Phoenix region, where transit is at the forefront as an essential public service,” said Mefford-Miller. “I look forward to working with the boards, member agencies and staff to provide excellent transit service that delivers value to our communities and continuing realization of Valley Metro’s bold capital vision.”
Her work has been recognized by Mass Transit Magazine, Progressive Railroading, Women’s Transportation Seminar and the St. Louis Business Journal.
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