Valley Metro selects Jessica Mefford-Miller as new CEO

PHOENIX — Valley Metro on Thursday announced Jessica Mefford-Miller as the agency’s new CEO, replacing Scott Smith.

Smith last summer announced his intention to retire following the fiscal year after being in the role since February 2016, first on an interim basis before being asked to remain in the role going forward in November of that year.

Mefford-Miller comes to the Valley after spending 15 years as executive director of Metro Transit in St. Louis, which offered bus, light rail, paratransit and microtransit services.

“I am excited to join the team at Valley Metro at a time of tremendous growth and innovation within the metro Phoenix region, where transit is at the forefront as an essential public service,” Mefford-Miller said in a press release.

“I look forward to working with the Boards, member agencies and staff to provide excellent transit service that delivers value to our communities and continuing realization of Valley Metro’s bold capital vision.”

Mefford-Miller was found following an extensive, nationwide search for the position, Valley Metro said.

“Jessica offers extensive transit experience with a strong dedication to the customer experience, innovation and collaborative partnerships,” Valley Metro Board Chair and Mesa Councilmember Francisco Heredia said in the release.

“She also clearly demonstrated an ingenuity to lead through change and create positive outcomes for the good of the organization, employees and riders. Her energy certainly matched ours as we consider the future of Valley Metro and its important role coming out of the pandemic and into an era where we continue to experience such incredible growth as a region.”

Valley Metro said Mefford-Miller in her previous role had a key part in Metro Transit improving bus frequency statewide, helping shift toward renewable energy with a battery-electric bus program and overseeing an expansion of the city’s light rail line.

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