Metro has begun a nationwide search for its next chief safety officer, about three months after the troubled transit agency’s top safety official resigned amid a probe of a recent subway train derailment.
Metro on Tuesday announced its search for a replacement for James Dougherty, who resigned as chief safety officer in early September as the Metro Board was meeting to discuss the Aug. 6 derailment at the Smithsonian station. Mr. Dougherty had worked at the transit agency for about five years.
Metro Interim General Manager Jack Requa appointed Deputy Chief Safety Officer Louis Brown in September to serve as the top safety official until a permanent replacement is found.
In its announcement, Metro said it is “seeking a dynamic and experienced safety executive who has proven experience in leading an agency-wide safety program.”
The transit agency has long been plagued by safety issues, including an incident in January in which smoke in a subway tunnel led to the death of one passenger and injuries to dozens of others.
• Carleton Bryant can be reached at cbryant@washingtontimes.com.
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