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    1. Management

    GRTC Board selects Sheryl Adams as new chief executive officer

    Jan. 18, 2023
    Adams, who has been with GRTC for 24 years and was the agency’s interim CEO, becomes the first African American woman in a leadership role for GRTC.
    Related To: Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC)
    GRTC
    Sheryl Adams
    Sheryl Adams

    The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GTRC) Board has selected Sheryl Adams to serve as its next chief executive officer (CEO). The GRTC Board of Directors launched a national search in September 2022 to find its next chief executive officer to lead the transit company as a regional business partner and transportation solution.

    Adams has been with GRTC for 24 years and has led various departments, including operations, safety and training.

    “We trust Sheryl can continue to lead our transit agency to new heights and are even more excited to be placing our first African American woman in the leadership seat for our agency. We believe Sheryl has cultivated her relationships with the workforce here at GRTC over the years that will continue to foster a family-like environment with our union and administration staff to keep the agency moving forward,” said GRTC Board Chair Tyrone Nelson.

    The board decided that Adams would no longer serve as the interim CEO in a closed session on Jan. 17, 2023, and voted to appoint her in a permanent role. The board will work with her to finalize a contract in the coming weeks.

    “I am grateful that the board has continued to place its trust in me to lead this organization. I have great pride in GRTC as we continue to provide clean, safe and reliable transportation options,” Adams stated.

    Adrienne Torres, chief of development, will be promoted to chief of staff and assist Adams with chartering the agency into a new course of leadership. Torres climbed through the ranks, beginning at GRTC in 2014 and most recently oversaw the planning and scheduling, marketing and communication, information systems of GRTC, and RideFinders, GRTC’s central Virginia ridesharing arm.

    “Public transit is at a pivotal moment as we have historic investments from the federal, state and local level and embark on expanding service across the region I call home. I could not be more excited to help build a regional system that further connects everyone,” Torres said.

    The board believes with these organizational changes, the agency will continue its mission, vision and purpose to improve mobility and access throughout central Virginia as GRTC continues to grow, recruit and retain a strong workforce.