WMATA board accepts General Manager Paul Wiedefeld's decision to retire immediately

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's board of directors has accepted General Manager Paul Wiedefeld’s decision to make his retirement effective today.

Wiedefeld previously said he would leave the position on June 30. He was hired as general manager and chief executive in November 2015 and announced his retirement last December.

“I have decided to make my retirement effective today to provide a more timely transition to Interim General Manager Andy Off," Wiedefeld announced in a statement. “I have also accepted the resignation of Chief Operating Officer Joe Leader, effective immediately."

“I believe conveying all authority of the General Manager’s office to Mr. Off better positions him to address the challenges that came to light this week, while preparing for the transition to the next CEO," Wiedefeld said, referring to the agency's acknowledgment Sunday that nearly half of its 500 train operators lack required recertification and training.

"The board appreciates Paul’s and Joe’s commitment to WMATA over the last 6 years," said WMATA Board Chair Paul Smedberg. "We feel the timing is right for Interim General Manager and CEO Andy Off to lead the organization through this critical transition period, with a continued emphasis on safety. Safety is and will continue to be our top priority. We will look to Andy’s leadership to ensure we continue on this path."

WMATA last week announced the hiring of Randy Clarke as its new general manager. Clarke, the president and CEO of Capital Metro in Austin, Texas, will take over the leadership post in late summer.

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