Hampton Roads Transit’s new CEO is a former employee
Brian C. Smith, president/CEO of GoTriangle since June 2025, previously served in various leadership roles at HRT.By Nate Delesline III | The Virginian-Pilot (TNS)
NORFOLK, VA. — Brian C. Smith is Hampton Roads Transit’s new president and CEO, the agency announced Thursday.
Smith has served as president and CEO of GoTriangle in North Carolina since June 2025. He previously served in various leadership roles at HRT.
Brian C. Smith
Smith succeeds William Harrell, who retired in July after 14 years as CEO. Smith will start on Oct. 12. Noelle Pinkard, HRT’s organizational advancement officer, will continue to serve as interim president and CEO until Smith officially takes over. The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, HRT’s governing body, approved Smith’s selection during its monthly meeting.
“As a Hampton Roads native and former HRT employee, this place and its people hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited and humbled to return in this leadership role,” Smith said in a statement. “Providing safe and reliable public transportation across Hampton Roads is as important now as ever. Our customers are counting on us, and I look forward to advancing HRT’s mission and vision for the future.”
During his prior tenure at HRT, Smith held several roles, including manager of community relations, interim chief communications officer and chief of staff. He also supported the launch of The Tide light rail, which began operating 15 years ago this month. GoTriangle is the regional transit authority for the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area. Achievements during Smith’s time there include delivering the largest single-year service increase since 1994, launching 15-minute frequency regional bus services and an increase in ridership.
An Army veteran, Smith holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s degree in public policy, both from Regent, and a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University.
Nate Delesline III, [email protected]
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