Jeffrey Knueppel’s career at SEPTA started as a entry level structural engineer in 1988. Now, the Bedminster resident will lead SEPTA as its next general manager.

Knueppel will lead more than 9,300 employees and the operation of the sixth largest public transportation system in the United States.

Knueppel will take on his new role after longtime General Manager Joe Casey retires on September 30, after the pope’s historic visit to Philadelphia.

“Jeff has consistently demonstrated the requisite temperament, passion, strategic management skills and innovative thinking to successfully assume the duties of general manager,” said Pat Deon, the chairman of SEPTA’s board of directors.

After 27 years working for the transit agency, Knueppel has moved from his entry-level engineer position to chief engineer, assistance manager and most recently deputy general manager.

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Knueppel has helped lead SEPTA through 32 infrastructure improvement projects as part of a $191 million program. He also plans to continue working to repair infrastructure, upgrade the transit system’s fleet and make SEPTA the “region’s preferred choice for transportation.” The longtime SEPTA employee will lead the organization as the Levittown Regional Rail Station in Tullytown undergoes a multi-million dollar reconstruction project.

According to a biography, Knueppel graduated from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York. He also holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering and is a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania. Along with memberships to several profession organizations, Knueppel received the Civil Engineer of the Year Award for 2015 from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Philadelphia section.

Aside from his role in SEPTA, Knueppel is an honorary chair of the March of Dimes  annual Transportation, Building & Construction Awards Luncheon in Philadelphia.

Knueppel has three grown sons and a wife.