Interim MBTA GM Appointed; Begins in Role Next Week
The board of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has appointed Frank DePaola as interim general manager of the MBTA, replacing Beverly Scott, who tendered her resignation at the height of the transit system’s weary winter. DePaola will begin in the position next week, on March 4.
It will be the second interim title for DePaola in the last several months. DePaola served as the acting secretary of transportation after Richard Davey resigned from the position last fall until Governor Charlie Baker appointed Stephanie Pollack to the role upon the start of his term. DePaola has worked as head of MassDOT’s Highway Division since 2011. Prior to that, he was the MBTA’s assistant general manager for design and construction.
“With the depth and breadth of Frank’s experience as an engineer, a manager, and a problem-solver, I have full confidence that he has the skill sets and capabilities to serve as Interim General Manager,’’ Pollack said in a statement.
Thomas Tinlin, who is MassDOT’s chief of highway operations and maintenance and previously worked as Boston’s transportation commissioner, will serve as acting highway administrator. He was appointed directly by Pollack, and will also begin on March 4.
Scott said two weeks ago that she would resign from the GM position, effective April 11. Her move, which Baker said came as a surprise, happened while the T was in a state of turmoil after a series of snowstorms, on the back of a memorable press conference and shortly after the MassDOT board had given her a vote of confidence. She will stay on until April to aid in the leadership transition.
“I cannot think of a better, more qualified person to take the reins immediately, and provide the necessary leadership to move our transit system in the right direction,’’ Scott said in a statement after DePaola’s appointment. “I can leave this job I’ve loved, knowing that MBTA customers as well as employees are in very capable hands and I look forward to working with Frank during the transition process.’’
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