NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has begun searching for its next president and CEO.
William E. Harrell, who has served as president and CEO since 2012, announced in February that he will be retiring effective this summer.
A committee of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, HRT’s governing board, will review applications before narrowing candidates down to five semi-finalists for full commission consideration.
Next, the full commission will pare the list to three candidates. Members of the committee will then conduct interviews with the final three candidates and select one to recommend to the full commission as the new president/CEO.
The position oversees a $150 million budget, 1,050 employees, a fleet of more than 270 buses and trolleys serving 62 routes, 116 Paratransit vehicles, four ferries, and nine rail cars for Virginia’s only light rail system.
Duties for the position include directing the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for the acquisition, construction, maintenance and operation of all HRT facilities, and directing and overseeing all HRT operations, administrative functions, services and personnel.
The search will remain open until a final candidate is selected. The complete job description, job functions, required skills and knowledge and application process are available at gohrt.com/transitcareers.
About HRT
HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.
Media Contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Manager, Communications
Cell: (757) 354-0564
tbecher@hrtransit.org
March 31, 2026