News from Friends of Transit http://www.friendsoftransit.org/
PHOENIX (February 7, 2007) – City of Phoenix Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten and Town of Gilbert Councilman Les Presmyk will serve as Co-Chairs of the Valley Metro Board of Directors in 2007. A first for the agency, the Board approved the Co-Chair leadership as a way to maintain consistency in all that had been accomplished in 2006.
Projects for the agency in 2007 include the completion of a regional paratransit study that is being directed by Councilwoman Bilsten and the advancement of a regional strategic plan for the agency that Councilman Presmyk initiated in 2006 as the Chairman of the Valley Metro Board of Directors. Their guidance will lead the 14-member agency through an ongoing transformation process that focuses on creating a more regionally integrated transit system as it delivers more than $5.8 billion (2002 dollars) in transit-related projects over the next 20 years.
“It’s exciting to be part of an agency with such remarkable direction that is a result of the leadership and efforts that my Co-Chair Councilman Presmyk and Valley Metro Executive Director Dave Boggs and his staff have provided,” said Councilwoman Bilsten. “The coming year will see an even greater evolution of the agency as it transforms into a more regional player.”
New staff at Valley Metro also began in January, as Nick Promponas was named Deputy Executive Director of Operations for the agency. Promponas is responsible for specific local bus, Express bus, paratransit and vanpool services in the region. He will also oversee customer services, which provides information and customer service for the region through a centralized call center. Nick’s experience includes being Senior Vice President and General Manager of First Transit, Inc. and General Manager of New York City Transit’s Paratransit Command Center.
James Brown has been hired as the new regional Safety and Security Manager and will oversee the development of comprehensive safety and security procedures and regulations for the Valley Metro RPTA bus and paratransit operations. Prior to joining Valley Metro, James was the assistant chief at Veolia Transportation and responsible for the safety and security of all Phoenix Transit System customers, employees and facilities. He is a 25-year veteran of the law enforcement profession, with 19 years of management experience.
