People on the Move: AC Transit, Washington County Transit, WSP, RIPTA 

New appointments and changes in leadership have been made by the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), Washington County Transit, WSP and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). 

AC Transit 

AC Transit’s General Manager (GM) and CEO Michael Hursh will be transitioning to a senior advisor, effective Dec. 14, 2024.  

During the past nine years of Hursh as the agency’s GM and CEO, AC Transit saw the construction and successful launch of the Tempo Bus Rapid Transit System, the opening and re-launch of the Salesforce Transit Center and leading the way as the first transit agency to provide personal protective equipment  for frontline employees and riders during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The agency notes that under his guidance, it maintained nearly a decade of balanced budgets, often achieving a surplus and garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including the 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation System Award from the American Public Transportation Association and the 2019 International Bus Roadeo Grand Champions’ title. 

“When we selected Mr. Hursh from his role as chief operating officer at Valley Transportation Authority, we recognized his exceptional operational expertise,” said AC Transit Board President Joel Young. “However, his resilience, foresight and adaptability truly shone during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through strategic decisions, he averted layoffs, supported employees and riders and reimagined business models to balance costs. His steady leadership guided our transit district through one of the most turbulent periods in modern history, ensuring our stability and viability today. His leadership has propelled AC Transit to new heights, solidifying our position as an industry leader and we are deeply grateful for his dedication.” 

The agency notes when Hursh came on as GM and CEO in 2015, he recognized the challenges posed by a retiring workforce and the shortage of young people entering the transit profession. To address this, he established a forward-thinking partnership with AC Transit’s labor unions to explore innovative ways to recruit entry-level employees and support their advancement to Journey-Level Mechanics. The Mechanics Helper and Career Ladders Programs has evolved into a model now being adopted by transit agencies across the country. 

Similarly, Hursh helped launch the Bus Operator Mentorship Program, which individually paired senior transit operators with new hires in 2018. At the time of launch, the agency’s retention rate of new bus operators was 75 percent. Just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, retention went up to 93 percent. 

AC Transit notes Hursh also championed Assembly Bill 917, allowing transit agencies statewide to use forward-facing cameras for issuing citations at bus stops and in transit-only lanes. This year, he enhanced safety for all AC Transit riders–especially seniors, youth, and ADA passengers–by expanding the use of artificial intelligence-powered automated cameras to detect illegal stopping and parking at bus stops throughout the bus network.  

Hursh has led AC Transit in its goal to transition its entire fleet to zero-emissions. Recently, he joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom for the launch of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, where AC Transit is set to receive $144 million to expand its hydrogen fueling infrastructure and bus fleet. AC Transit notes Hursh also championed the creation of Zero Emission Bus University, a partnership with Chabot College. His commitment to zero-emission technologies secured two consecutive Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission grants, totaling more than $40.5 million, funding the U.S.’s first transit-collegiate program to train workers.  

"From the outset, our plan for California’s largest bus only transit agency was for me to dedicate a decade to strengthening service delivery, achieving fiscal stability, climate-conscious transit solutions and establishing AC Transit as an employer of choice. I am proud to say that through the unwavering commitment of AC Transit’s staff of outstanding transit professionals, we have reached these ambitious goals. While the pandemic posed significant challenges, particularly in service delivery, it did not halt our forward momentum. Now, as I enter the 10th year of my tenure, I look forward to finalizing the transformative journey of this 10-year strategic plan as senior advisor, which includes assisting the district in identifying its next visionary leader to build on our foundation of success and lead AC Transit into the future," Hursh said. 

Washington County 

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners has appointed Shawn Harbaugh as its new transit director for Washington County Transit.  

Harbaugh has spent the past 13 years serving as the fleet and facility manager for Washington County Transit, where he played a vital role in maintaining and improving transit services for the community. In his new role, Harbaugh will oversee the county’s transit operations, strategic planning and initiatives to improve accessibility and sustainability in transportation. 

Before joining Washington County Transit, Harbaugh spent 9.5 years with Frederick County Fleet Services, where he served as a fleet technician IV in the TransIT maintenance shop. Harbaugh is a certified community transit manager through the Community Transportation Association of America and is an active member of the Transportation Association of Maryland. 

“Shawn Harbaugh has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise throughout his career with Washington County Transit. His vision and experience will be invaluable as we continue to enhance transit services for our community. I am confident that under his leadership, our transit system will grow stronger and more accessible for all residents,” said Washington County Director of Public Works Andrew Eshleman.  

WSP 

WSP has promoted two of its senior vice presidents; Angela Schwarz was promoted to transit and rail market leader and Inez Evans Benson was promoted to deputy transit and rail market leader.  

In her new leadership role, Schwarz is growing the firm’s presence in transit and rail markets,; ensuring client success with state and local transit agencies; building relationships with consultants, industry associations, railroads and contractors; and overseeing planning, design, program management and construction management assignments on major projects, including the Positive Train Control Project for New Jersey Transit and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA’s) communication-based train control (CBTC) program for New York City Transit. 

Schwarz serves as technical advisor for MTA’s CBTC system, which will enhance the efficiency and safety of subway system operations. The project includes designing, installing and commissioning the new system for multiple subway lines for the B Division. It is the first design-build delivery in the history of MTA’s CBTC rollout, aiming to make the program less expensive, more agile, less complex and faster to commission. 

Schwarz joined WSP in 2021 as national transit and rail systems practice leader and brings 30 years of experience as a certified project management professional in all aspects of project management. She served as the systems delivery package manager for the Purple Line Project, a $2 billion design-build 16-mile light-rail line that will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton, north of Washington, D.C. She is based in Atlanta.  

“Angela’s hands-on approach and skill in navigating complex technical challenges have earned her the respect of both her team and our clients,” said WSP’s National Business Line Executive for Transportation and Infrastructure David Weiss. “Her technical expertise and leadership strengths continue to bolster our delivery of innovative solutions to agencies nationwide, as they transition to zero-emission vehicles, automate operations and strive for safer, more reliable and expanded services and modernize infrastructure.”  

Evans Benson joined WSP in January 2024. She assumes the role of deputy transit and rail market leader and continues in her role as national bus practice leader. She is based in Austin, Texas. 

She is a well-known industry advocate, serving as treasurer for WTS and as a board member for the American Public Transportation Foundation. She is also a committee member for Leadership American Public Transportation Association, a program that tutors transit professionals who are aspiring to become leaders within their respective organizations. 

“Inez has a deep understanding of what it takes for transit agencies to meet critical community needs,” Weiss said. “Her decades of experience at all levels of transit agencies informs her work at WSP, as she leads our national practice of professionals in all aspects of transit bus planning, implementation, operations, program management and strategy. Her strategic advice enables us to deliver innovations that are reshaping public transportation.” 

RIPTA 

The RIPTA Board of Directors has named Christopher Durand as its permanent CEO. Durand has been serving as the interim CEO since April 16, 2024. He is a Rhode Island native and University of Rhode Island graduate that has been a part of RIPTA since 2014, bringing a wealth of expertise to various leadership roles. Serving as chief financial officer since 2021, he has overseen the agency’s financial operations with a strategic vision.  

Durand played a pivotal role in guiding RIPTA through the unprecedented financial and operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ensuring the agency maintained service despite significant revenue declines. His extensive experience within RIPTA includes key positions such as budget analyst, senior financial analyst, director of finance and budget and executive director of finance and budget. 

“I would like to thank the board of directors for the opportunity to serve as RIPTA’s chief executive officer,” Durand said. “I am honored to continue working alongside our dedicated employees who work tirelessly every day to keep Rhode Island moving. In my short time as interim CEO, we’ve achieved significant milestones together— investing in workforce development to address labor and service challenges, reopening the East Side Tunnel after crucial renovations and leading the way in sustainability with the Northeast region’s first in-line electric bus charging station. I am excited to continue building on this momentum and remain committed to improving service for our transit riders and ensuring RIPTA is a dependable, forward-thinking transit system for all Rhode Islanders.”   

“Chris Durand brings steady, experienced leadership to the table at a time when RIPTA must continue to adapt to a post-pandemic environment,” said Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee. “His passion for public transit, work ethic and wide range of skills will help RIPTA navigate challenges and find innovative ways to improve public transit across Rhode Island. I look forward to working with Chris and his team on strategies to support our riders for years to come.”