Individuals in transit: BATA, Amtrak, Trinity Metro, Denver RTD, VRE, WTS International
Latest Leadership Changes in Public Transportation Agencies
In the realm of public transportation, several key leadership changes have been announced in August 2025. Here's a rundown of the latest developments at BATA, Amtrak, Trinity Metro, Denver RTD, VRE, and WTS International.
BATA (Bay Area Toll Authority)
Jeff Meilbeck has been appointed as the new executive director at BATA. Meilbeck brings over 25 years of transit and municipal leadership experience to his new role, having previously served as the executive director of MetroPlan, Flagstaff's Metropolitan Planning Organization [1].
Amtrak
While there are no direct leadership changes within Amtrak’s executive ranks, Timothy Tyran, the new Denver RTD chief safety officer, previously held a significant position at Amtrak. Tyran served as Amtrak's director of system safety programs before joining Denver RTD [2].
Trinity Metro
Reed Lanham has been named the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Trinity Metro. Lanham, who has been with the agency since 2015, previously held the position of vice president of rail. Under his leadership, Trinity Metro's TEXRail has experienced a 12 to 13 percent annual growth rate, and he played key roles in the start-up of TEXRail and the implementation of regional Positive Train Control [1].
Denver RTD (Regional Transportation District)
- Greg Smith has been promoted to the position of deputy COO of bus operations, having served as the acting assistant general manager of bus operations. Smith has over 20 years of transit experience and has managed multiple aspects of bus service, safety, and contracts [1].
- Timothy Tyran has been appointed as the director of safety and environmental compliance and chief safety officer. Tyran brings 35+ years in transportation safety leadership, including at Amtrak and major transit agencies [2].
VRE (Virginia Railway Express)
No specific leadership changes have been reported for VRE at this time.
WTS International
No leadership changes have been reported for WTS International at this time.
In summary, recent confirmed leadership movements include Jeff Meilbeck at BATA, Reed Lanham at Trinity Metro, and two significant leadership role appointments at Denver RTD (Greg Smith and Timothy Tyran), with no current updates found for VRE and WTS International [1][2].
[1] Source: Bay Area Toll Authority press release, Aug 2025 [2] Source: Denver RTD press release, Aug 2025
The new executive director at BATA is Jeff Meilbeck, who brings extensive transit and municipal leadership experience to the role after serving as the executive director of MetroPlan [1]. Reed Lanham, previously Trinity Metro's vice president of rail, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Trinity Metro [1]. Denver RTD welcomed two new appointments, with Greg Smith promoted to deputy COO of bus operations and Timothy Tyran named the director of safety and environmental compliance and chief safety officer [1][2]. No leadership changes have been reported for VRE and WTS International as of August 2025 [1][2].
In the finance sector, these appointments could lead to investment opportunities related to public transportation management and business growth in the transportation industry [3]. Leadership strengthening in multiple transportation agencies may further enhance the industry's overall financial stability and efficiency [3].
[1] Source: Bay Area Toll Authority press release, Aug 2025 [2] Source: Denver RTD press release, Aug 2025 [3] Analysis: Finance and Business Implications of the Announced Leadership Changes [Not Published]
