Pittsburgh port authority's CEO McLean to resign June 1

3/1/2017    

Rail News: People

Ellen McLeanPhoto – Port Authority of Allegheny County

Port Authority of Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer Ellen McLean will step down on June 1.

McLean, whose three-year contract expired Feb. 1, will remain on the job while the authority finalizes its fiscal-year 2018 budget. The authority's board last week extended her contract through June 1, according to a press release.

She will receive a year of salary and health benefits as part of her severance, authority officials said.

McLean was named CEO in February 2014. Previously, she served as the agency's chief financial officer since 2010 and interim CEO since February 2013.

During McLean's tenure, the authority secured dedicated transit funding under Pennsylvania's Act 89; completed several capital projects; negotiated a new labor agreement; and published transit-oriented development guidelines and a strategic plan. By year's end, the authority will have a revamped fare policy that reduces fares for the first time in more than 30 years.

"This transit agency has come so far from where we were just a few short years ago, which is why I believe now is the right time for me to pass the torch to someone else," McLean said. "I am extremely proud of my time and service here, and I know that those with whom I've had the privilege to work - including our great partners at ATU Local 85 - will continue to build upon those achievements."

Prior to joining the authority, McLean was managing director of infrastructure initiatives at the Urban Land Institute. She also served as CFO for the city of Pittsburgh and former Mayor Tom Murphy.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County operates a 26.2-mile light-rail system in Pittsburgh.

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