New appointments and changes in leadership have been made by the Akron Regional Transit Authority (Akron Metro) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
CTDOT
James (Jim) Fallon has been named as the next CTDOT chief engineer and bureau chief of engineering and construction. Fallon, who first began his career at the CTDOT in 1994, currently serves as the agency’s assistant chief engineer. He will assume his new role on Feb. 1, 2025.
Fallon will be responsible for overseeing billions of dollars of capital projects throughout the state, with investments and improvements planned for roads and bridges, transit stations, bicyclist and pedestrian facilities through a Complete Streets Design Directive. He will oversee a bureau of nearly 1,200 employees.
“Throughout his career, Jim has dedicated himself to the CTDOT in service to the people of Connecticut. As we continue delivering historic investments throughout our state, Jim’s leadership and experience will help us improve safety and mobility for everyone,” said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Jim’s knowledge and vision will be critical as we continue transforming the state’s infrastructure for future generations.”
“I am honored to have the trust of Commissioner Eucalitto to lead the Bureau of Engineering and Construction into the future. Connecticut is counting on us to deliver and I do not take that responsibility lightly,” Fallon said. “Our priorities and initiatives are not just focused on moving vehicles across our roadways, but also are ensuring bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and all who use our infrastructure can do so safely and easily. I look forward to continuing delivering projects that make a difference in communities throughout the state.”
Fallon will succeed CTDOT Chief Engineer Scott Hill, who is retiring Feb. 1, 2025, after more than 37 years of service to the state of Connecticut.
Fallon began his career with the CTDOT in 1994 within the divisions of Traffic Engineering and Highway Operations. Later, he worked in the Office of Finance, planning CTDOT capital projects. He then managed a newly created Office of Quality of Assurance, ensuring technical audits and process reviews were completed and met agency goals and objectives. Fallon continued his career within the divisions of design services, facilities and transit and highway design, overseeing and managing multi-faceted multimodal projects throughout the state. In 2020, he was promoted to assistant chief engineer, overseeing more than $2 billion in annual capital construction projects.
Fallon is a member of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Council on Highway and Streets and graduated from the AASHTO Executive Institute and the AASHTO Management Institute. Additionally, Fallon serves on the University of Connecticut Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board and has previously been a member of various Transportation Research Board committees as well as the Merritt Parkway Advisory Committee.
Fallon received his Bachelor of Arts from Fairfield University, his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Connecticut and his master's of business administration from the University of Connecticut.
Akron Metro
The current Akron Metro chief of operations (COO), Jarrod Hampshire, is being promoted to chief of staff starting Jan. 1, 2025. This newly created position was opened up to create a smoother transition and flow of operation when a person is absent, retires or leaves the organization.
Hampshire will work to provide strategic direction, overseeing daily operations, leading special projects, build and maintain relationships and partnerships, analyze Akron Metro operations, lead change initiatives, promote a positive organizational culture and assume CEO responsibilities, as needed.
Akron Metro Chief of Police Shawn Metcalf has also been promoted to chief protection and development officer, joining the executive level leaders. He will be responsible for keeping Akron Metro’s leadership apprised of security issues, will continue to oversee training, promote risk management best practices and ensure Akron Metro is compliant on the local, state and federal level in relation to safety and security measures.
“Metro has always been a forward-thinking organization and we want to address the needs of Metro’s team and transit-loyal riders by preparing for future endeavors and challenges we may face,” said Akron Metro CEO Dawn Distler. “We want to be fair and equitable in our decision-making and in our programming for riders and do so with limited to no disruptions when there are staffing, funding or other unforeseen circumstances within our organization and industry. Planning and preparing for future endeavors is vital to Metro’s continued successes. These changes to Metro’s leadership will address the needs of today, tomorrow and the immediate future.”
Eman Abu-Khaled | Associate Editor
Eman Abu-Khaled is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelors in journalism. She works through Endeavor Business Media with Mass Transit as an associate editor. Abu-Khaled brings a fresh perspective to the visual side of journalism with an interest in video and photography work.
