Chesapeake city manager is named head of HRT

HAMPTON

Praising his regional relationships, budget management skills and business acumen, Hampton Roads Transit hired Chesapeake City Manager William Harrell on Thursday as its next president and CEO.

Harrell will step into the role April 2 and will be paid $235,000 a year.

To cover the interim, the HRT commission extended the contract of president and CEO Philip Shucet, which was to expire at the end of the month, for 60 days at his current salary of $28,000 a month. Shucet plans to return to his private consulting business.

The board, consisting of two representatives from each city council, voted unanimously for Harrell. Two voted "absolutely yes."

Thelma Drake, director of the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation, said: "The key component of a successful transit agency is bringing all the local governments together. William Harrell has a good track record of working regionally, and he has the respect of all the local governments.

"We're very lucky to get him."

HRT serves Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

"When he comes to talk to the cities about HRT's plans and needs, he'll find a more receptive audience because he understands the various competing and conflicting issues in city budgeting," Virginia Beach City Councilman Jim Wood said.

Harrell will take the helm of an HRT that's very different from the agency of a couple years ago, when then-President Michael Townes was forced to retire amid light-rail cost overruns and construction delays, and allegations of mismanagement.

Shucet was hired in February 2010 as an independent contractor to control costs, launch light rail and restore credibility to the agency. He finished light rail under the revised budget, hired an in-house lawyer and auditor, replaced all but one of the senior-level staff, eliminated unpopular bus routes, and created a public records page on the agency's website.

"We've been on sound footing and direction since Phil has been here," Chesapeake Councilman C.E. "Cliff" Hayes said. "William will be able to continue that stability and credibility."

Harrell also will lead the agency through a policy board change. In July, the commission makeup will change as a result of a new law pushed by Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, to improve agency oversight.

The number of representatives that each of the HRT-served cities can appoint will be reduced from two to one. A second citizen representative from each city will be appointed by the governor. The state public transportation department will continue to have a vote, while the two state legislative seats will be eliminated.

"I think it will be a vitally important job to unite what is going to be a new board as of July," said HRT Chairwoman Patricia Woodbury, a Newport News City Council member.

Harrell, who has led his hometown of Chesapeake since 2007, describes himself as a hands-on leader. He said before he takes office in April, he plans to meet with staff, board members and citizen advisory groups. Once in charge, he said, he'll give himself 90 days to learn about and evaluate the agency, then present his assessment and goals to the commission.

"With the excitement of light rail and with increasing ridership, I think there is a real opportunity to attract more choice riders to all of HRT's services," Harrell said. He cited rising gas prices and the upcoming Midtown and Downtown tunnel tolls as conditions that have created "a unique opportunity for HRT to capture a larger market."

He wants to expand Shucet's GoPass initiative, in which large employers and institutions pay HRT a fee to have their commuters ride for free. He also wants to explore "creative ways," such as rail extensions or dedicated bus lanes, to connect light rail with activity centers in the region.

"I'm anxious to get started," Harrell said.

Debbie Messina, 757-446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com