SEPTA Appoints PennDOT Secretary To Lead Agency

PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards is leaving for a new job. Although, she’s very familiar with the organization hiring her. 

SEPTA’s Board voted Thursday to hire Richards as the regional public transit agency’s new general manager. She will begin work in January. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that she will be paid $329,732.

Richards, a Montgomery County resident who previously served on SEPTA’s Board, will replace Jeffrey Knueppel, a Bedminster resident who has led the agency since 2015. Knueppel will wrap up his 31-year career at the agency at the end of the year and Richards will begin in the new year. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Leslie back to SEPTA as the next general manager,” said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale “Pat” Deon Sr. “She has a proven track record of success as transportation executive, and brings a vision for the future that will help us build on our successes and prepare for the challenges ahead.” 

Richards will oversee SEPTA’s nearly 10,000 employees and a $2 billion budget.

“SEPTA is critical to the vitality of the Philadelphia region, and to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a whole,” Richards said. “I am honored to be selected as the next general manager, and look forward to working with SEPTA employees, riders, residents and other stakeholders to ensure we meet the region’s transportation needs now and for years to come.” 

Richards, a Brown University and University of Pennsylvania graduate, has been  PennDOT’s leader since appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf during his first term.

“I am thrilled to know that SEPTA will be in the very capable hands of Leslie Richards,” said TMA Bucks executive director Steve Noll. “Her leadership and fresh thinking have been an invaluable asset for PennDOT, and I have no doubt the same will apply in her new role. We at TMA Bucks look forward to continuing an excellent relationship.”