WATA Board of Directors appoints Matthew Scalia as executive director

Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) Board of Directors unanimously appointed Matthew Scalia as the executive director of WATA. The appointment follows a nationwide search for the executive director position. Scalia has recently retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel following a 27-year career. He is a graduate of the USMA West Point and received his Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

In his military career, he has served as the city manager of Fort Benning, Ga., and recently deputy senior executive U.S. Army Installation Command of Fort Eustis, Va.

“I'm excited and fortunate to join the WATA as its executive director. My family and I fell in love with the area when we moved here two years ago, and I'm looking forward to being part of a team which provides such an important service to the community,” Scalia said.

"This is an exciting time for WATA. With the addition of new technologies for the buses, new investments in facilities, and the development of an updated Strategic Plan, WATA is improving services for both operators and riders throughout the Historic Triangle. The hiring of an executive director is an opportunity to continue our commitment to the important work of evolving WATA to better meet the region’s goals. “On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Directors, we want to welcome Matt and look forward to a long and productive working relationship with him,” said Paul Holt, chair of the WATA Board of Directors.

Scalia began his role as executive director April 17.