NORFOLK, Va. – Hampton Roads Transit’s governing board has named Dr. Brian C. Smith, a former HRT executive, as the agency’s next President and CEO.
Smith, president and CEO of GoTriangle in North Carolina since June 2025, previously served in numerous roles at Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) over 16 years, including as Deputy CEO from 2020 to 2025.
The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads (TDCHR) approved his selection during today’s monthly meeting.
“We are delighted to welcome Brian back to HRT,” said Hope Harper, chair of the TDCHR. “Commissioners were impressed with his extensive transit experience, previous contributions to our agency, and knowledge of the Hampton Roads market. We are confident that his leadership and proven record of success will deliver results for our customers and the communities we serve.”
“I’m grateful to Chair Harper and the Board of Commissioners for this opportunity,” Smith said. “As a Hampton Roads native and former HRT employee, this place and its people hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited and humbled to return in this leadership role. Providing safe and reliable public transportation across Hampton Roads is as important now as ever. Our customers are counting on us, and I look forward to advancing HRT’s mission and vision for the future.”
Smith will begin his duties on Oct. 12.
He succeeds William E. Harrell, who retired July 31 after 14 years leading HRT and 40 years of distinguished public service. Noelle Pinkard, HRT’s Organizational Advancement Officer, will continue to serve as interim President and CEO until Smith’s return to HRT.
The national search for a new agency leader attracted more than 80 applicants. The commission’s Executive Committee reviewed the applicant pool, narrowed the field to a smaller group of qualified candidates, and conducted interviews prior to the final recommendation and vote by the full Commission.
Transit Leadership
Smith returns to HRT from leading GoTriangle, the regional transit authority serving the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill region of North Carolina. During his tenure, GoTriangle delivered its largest single-year service increase since 1994. In addition to launching 15-minute frequency regional bus services and increasing ridership, the agency expanded partnerships and achieved capital project milestones by upgrading bus stop amenities and opening the Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility on schedule and under budget. By April of this year compared to last year, the system’s weekday boardings grew by more than 30 percent.
Smith previously worked in several capacities at HRT beginning in 2008, including as manager of community relations, interim chief communications officer, chief of staff and, most recently, Deputy CEO.
He oversaw the agency’s capital plan and grants administration and organized HRT’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith also provided instrumental support for the debut of The Tide light rail, which this month celebrates its 15th year of service.
Smith, U.S. Army veteran, holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University. He also has a master’s degree in public policy, also from Regent, and an advanced certificate in public administration from Old Dominion University with an emphasis on public budgeting and finance. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University.
Brian Smith returns to HRT effective Oct. 12.
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
August 27, 2026