Metro's General Manager Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Metro's general manager has appointed a new chief operating officer.

Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said in a statement Wednesday that Joseph Leader will be the Chief Operating Officer in charge of rail, bus and paratransit services.

Leader previously served as the head of subway operations at New York City Transit. He has also previously been the chief of safety investigations for New York City Transit.

Metro is currently in the midst of a track work blitz amid concerns about the system's safety.

Wiedefeld says the appointment is effective Aug. 1.

AP-WF-06-22-16 1515GMT

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