Thomas Prendergast was named Wednesday as TransLink's new CEO.
TransLink pulls new CEO from New York
By Jeff Nagel - New Westminster News Leader
Published: July 03, 2008 5:00 PM
Updated: July 03, 2008 6:04 PM
A former New York City subway executive has been named to take the helm at TransLink.
Thomas Prendergast was named Wednesday as TransLink's new CEO, replacing Pat Jacobsen who resigned earlier this year.
Prendergast comes here from New Jersey with more than 30 years experience in transportation and infrastructure development.
He was senior vice-president of New York's subway in the early 1990s before heading the Long Island Rail Road, the largest commuter railroad in the U.S.
Prendergast is leaving Parsons Brinckerhoff, an infrastructure project development firm where he had been director of services for the Americas.
TransLink chair Dale Parker said the new chief executive brings important experience in complex transportation agencies facing significant challenges to expand and improve.
"He has transit operations experience, practically right from the shop floor, and understands all the dynamics of meeting the public’s expectations for good service,” Parker said.
"He has also been a national leader in the U.S. on initiatives to address safety and security on transit."
Jacobsen, TransLink's former CEO, said Prendergast is extremely well regarded in the field.
"We're sorry to lose him," added New York Transit Commission chair Janette Sadik-Khan. "His move is a big loss for New York and a major gain for Metro Vancouver."
Prendergast is expected to move with his family and begin work here by August.
He said the opportunity was compelling because of the ambitious plans to expand the region's transit system and highway network, and the quality of life here was also attractive.
"I’ve had years of experience in just about all aspects of transportation, but this is the first time I’ll have had the opportunity to apply all of it in one place."
Prendergast will report to TransLink's board of directors.
His naming is one of a number of recent changes in the top ranks of the transportation authority. TransLink has also recently hired new vice-presidents in charge of planning and real estate.
