Metro names Paul Wiedefeld as new general manager

WASHINGTON - Metro's long search for a new general manager is over.

The beleaguered transit agency announced Thursday that Paul Wiedefeld will take over as general manager and CEO. Wiedefeld was chosen unanimously by Metro's board of directors. He will be formally appointed at their next meeting on November 19.

"I am humbled and excited to learn of the Board's unanimous support, but believe it is inappropriate to comment further until the Board takes its final action at the November 19th meeting," said Wiedefeld.

The 60-year-old Wiedefeld is the former chief executive of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. He was fired from that job in July by Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

Wiedefeld will be tasked with leading a transit agency that federal investigators say has serious safety deficiencies. This January, a woman died and a more than 80 others were sickened when an electrical malfunction caused a train to fill with smoke inside a downtown Washington tunnel.

Wiedefeld's hiring ends a nearly yearlong search for a general manager. Several candidates came close to taking the job. Jack Requa will continue to serve as interim general manager until Wiedefeld comes on board.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.