Former Whitemarsh supervisor Leslie Richards has announced she is leaving SEPTA. She has led the transportation agency for five years

SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie Richards announced on October 24th that she will step down from the position after five years on November 29th. Richards was previously a Whitemarsh Township resident and was elected to the township’s board of supervisors. She was then elected to be a Montgomery County commissioner and appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to head the Pennsylvania State Department of Transportation.

“It has been an honor to lead SEPTA, and especially to lead our 9,500 employees, each of whom
brings incredible expertise, dedication and heart to serving our community,” Richards said. “I’m
proud to have led a workplace known for its collegiality, dedication to efficiency and equity. Working
together, we have positioned SEPTA for a bright future, increasing frequent mobility and access to
opportunities for our region.”

“I look forward to expanding my role as a Professor of Practice in the Department of City and
Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design and pursuing
other opportunities to serve the community,” shared Richards.

“Leslie has been a dedicated public servant for nearly 20 years, and at SEPTA she has been a true
champion for public transit and for our region as a whole,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth
Lawrence. “She faced an extraordinary set of challenges over the last five years, and we deeply
appreciate her service to the cause of public transit. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

According to the press release, Lawrence indicated that SEPTA plans to conduct a nationwide search for Richards’ replacement. SEPTA’s Board also announced that Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer will serve as Interim General Manager until a permanent successor is selected.

Photo: SEPTA