FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 8, 2021
Contact:
MDOT Public Affairs
Erin Henson, 410-865-1025
Jim Joyner, 410-865-1030
GOVERNOR HOGAN NAMES HOLLY ARNOLD
MDOT MTA ADMINISTRATOR
HANOVER, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today named Holly Arnold Administrator of the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA). Ms. Arnold has been serving as the Acting Administrator since June 7. Prior to her appointment as Acting Administrator, Administrator Arnold had served as Deputy Administrator/Chief Planning, Programming, and Engineering Officer.
“Holly has proven herself to be a champion for transportation projects that have a powerful impact on the people she serves," Governor Hogan said. “Her experience and ability to take on the most complicated challenges and see them through successfully makes her an ideal leader for MDOT MTA."
During her tenure at MDOT MTA, Ms. Arnold has overseen all aspects of the agency's $3 billion six-year capital program; led the development of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan; successfully applied for over $80 million in federal grants; spearheaded the agency's asset management program; and oversaw the creation of the agency's Transit Oriented Development guidelines and station area concepts. Her most recent accomplishment in her role as Acting Administrator is the launch of the $43 million Fast Forward initiative, a wide-ranging effort that focuses on improving transit reliability, travel times and customer safety, with the overall goal of enhancing the complete door to door transit experience.
“For the last few months and for years before that, Holly has demonstrated the power of strong leadership and a commitment to innovation that is already helping to put MDOT MTA at the forefront of transit agencies nationwide," said Transportation Secretary Greg Slater. “Her strong skills are the perfect complement for her position as Administrator."
Ms. Arnold was recognized in 2018 as a Top 40 Under 40 Transit Professional by Mass Transit Magazine, and as one of the 40 Under 40 Outstanding Young Leaders honored by the Baltimore Business Journal for her contributions to her organization and her community. She holds an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
As MDOT MTA Administrator, Ms. Arnold oversees the 13th largest transit system in America, with an annual operating budget of $900 million and a 6-year capital budget of over $3 billion. She also oversees construction of the Purple Line, a new, 16-mile light rail line outside of Washington, D.C., currently the largest transit public-private partnership (P3) in the nation.
MDOT MTA is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States. MDOT MTA operates LocalLink Bus service, Commuter Bus, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, MARC Train service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. MDOT MTA's goal is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. As a participating agency in APTA's Health and Safety Commitment Program, MDOT MTA is dedicated to keeping our employees and passengers safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland, YouTube.com/TheMTAMaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.