Valley Metro Executive and Leadership Team

Richard Simonetta, the Chief Executive Officer at Valley Metro, directs the overarching strategic vision for the regional public transportation network. Simonetta oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of rail and bus systems across the Phoenix metropolitan area. By aligning departmental goals with long-term transit objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization meets the evolving mobility demands of the region. Richard Simonetta maintains direct oversight of executive operations, fostering collaboration between the board and senior leadership to optimize service delivery. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and securing the financial health of the transit system. Through rigorous performance monitoring, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and safety standards. Ultimately, Simonetta secures the future of regional transit by implementing sustainable growth strategies that enhance accessibility for all residents within the service area.

Donald Schneidmiller, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Valley Metro, executes daily operational oversight for the regional transit system. Schneidmiller manages the integration of bus and rail services, ensuring seamless connectivity across the Phoenix metropolitan landscape. By coordinating with department heads, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to maintain high safety and efficiency standards. Donald Schneidmiller monitors the execution of capital projects, translating strategic plans into tangible infrastructure improvements. This leadership role involves resolving operational bottlenecks and streamlining service delivery protocols to improve passenger experiences. Through constant evaluation of transit metrics, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer drives continuous improvement in system reliability. Ultimately, Schneidmiller supports the organizational mission by maintaining a robust, responsive transportation network that serves the diverse needs of the regional population.

Kenneth Kessler, the Chief Financial Officer at Valley Metro, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the regional transit system. Kessler oversees financial reporting, capital investment strategies, and grant management to support the expansion of bus and rail infrastructure. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains long-term financial stability. Kenneth Kessler directs the procurement processes and audit functions, providing transparency and accountability in all fiscal activities. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board to secure funding for critical transit projects across the Phoenix area. Through precise financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer drives the allocation of resources toward high-impact service improvements. Ultimately, Kessler secures the economic viability of the transit network by implementing disciplined fiscal policies that support the ongoing mission of providing reliable public transportation.

Dennis Oldham, the President at Valley Metro, leads the external engagement and regional partnership initiatives for the transit organization. Oldham manages relationships with municipal stakeholders and community leaders to advance the development of the public transportation system. By representing the agency in regional planning forums, the President drives the expansion of transit services across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Dennis Oldham oversees the implementation of public-facing programs and service enhancements that improve accessibility for the riding public. This leadership role involves aligning the agency's growth trajectory with the broader economic and social goals of the region. Through strategic advocacy, the President secures support for transit funding and infrastructure development. Ultimately, Oldham secures the long-term relevance of the transit network by fostering strong community ties and ensuring the organization remains responsive to the evolving mobility needs of the population.

Melissa Boyles, the Chief of Staff at Valley Metro, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across all internal departments. Boyles manages the administrative priorities of the leadership team, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the transit organization. By overseeing special projects and cross-functional initiatives, the Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency and policy implementation. Melissa Boyles maintains the flow of information between the executive office and external stakeholders, supporting the effective execution of regional transit mandates. This leadership role involves managing high-level scheduling, preparing briefings for the board, and resolving complex operational challenges. Through proactive management of internal processes, the Chief of Staff ensures the organization remains focused on its core mission of providing safe public transportation. Ultimately, Boyles secures operational continuity by fostering collaboration and maintaining rigorous standards of professional conduct throughout the executive suite.

Penny Lynch, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Valley Metro, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the transit agency. Lynch oversees employee relations, benefits administration, and organizational culture initiatives to support a diverse workforce. By implementing training programs and safety protocols, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the staff remains equipped to operate complex rail and bus systems. Penny Lynch manages labor relations and compliance with employment regulations, fostering a productive work environment across the Phoenix region. This leadership role involves aligning human capital strategies with the operational needs of the transit network. Through effective performance management systems, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and retention. Ultimately, Lynch secures the operational success of the organization by building a skilled, motivated team dedicated to delivering high-quality public transportation services.

Michael Wawro, the Chief Legal Officer at Valley Metro, directs all legal affairs and regulatory compliance for the regional transit agency. Wawro manages litigation, contract negotiations, and risk management strategies to protect the interests of the organization. By providing counsel on transit policies and public sector regulations, the Chief Legal Officer ensures the agency operates within the framework of state and federal law. Michael Wawro oversees the legal aspects of infrastructure projects and land acquisition, facilitating the expansion of the rail and bus network. This leadership role involves advising the board and executive team on complex legal matters that impact service delivery. Through proactive risk mitigation, the Chief Legal Officer drives the protection of organizational assets and reputation. Ultimately, Wawro secures the legal integrity of the transit system by maintaining rigorous standards of compliance and ethical governance in all operations.

Angie DeVore, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer at Valley Metro, directs the internal support functions and business operations of the transit agency. DeVore oversees facilities management, information technology, and administrative services to ensure the organization functions efficiently. By streamlining internal processes and upgrading technological infrastructure, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer supports the daily operations of the bus and rail systems. Angie DeVore manages the coordination of support departments to provide a stable foundation for the agency's transit mission. This leadership role involves optimizing administrative workflows and implementing cost-saving measures across the organization. Through effective management of internal resources, the Interim Chief Administrative Officer drives operational readiness and service reliability. Ultimately, DeVore secures the efficiency of the transit network by maintaining robust administrative systems that allow the agency to focus on delivering safe and reliable public transportation to the region.