New Transit Director Named for South Metro Area Regional Transit
The City of Wilsonville’s public-transit agency, South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART), announces the hiring of Dwight Brashear as the City’s new Transit Director, assuming the agency’s leadership position held by Stephan Lashbrook who is retiring on Feb. 28.
Dwight Brashear is a seasoned transportation professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Most recently he co-managed a large paratransit operation in Chicago with a fleet of 500 vehicles and a budget of $53M focused on transportation services to medical appointments for people with disabilities.
Previously, Dwight held numerous executive leadership positions with several transit organizations. He served for four years in executive-level positions in management and business development for passenger-transportation services firm Keolis Transit America in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He also worked in management for a large transportation firm providing paratransit, fixed route, shuttle and commuter-bus transit services, as well as CEO of the public-transit system serving the Baton Rouge, La., metropolitan region.
Dwight began his career in public transit in 1985 as a part-time transit driver for San Diego Transit Corporation and over a 17-year period he worked his way up to the position of Manager of Transportation where he managed a fleet of 340 vehicles and a staff of 750 transit professionals.
Dwight earned a Bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University, in Azusa, Calif. with an emphasis in Business and Management. He has also earned numerous awards including a “Hero’s” designation from then-Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco for his role as State Transportation Coordinator for the evacuation of the City of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005. In 2006, he was recognized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) when he was presented with APTA’s first-ever Special Award for Extraordinary Leadership. Dwight is also a graduate of APTA’s Elite Leadership Program.
Assistant City Manager Jeanna Troha states, “Dwight has significant experience in all aspects of public transportation. He has an innovative and collaborative leadership style and brings a passion for making a difference in a community. We are excited to have Dwight join our team as the new SMART Transit Director.”
Dwight explains, “I couldn’t be more excited to be coming to Wilsonville and to be a part of a thriving community that really values high-quality public transit. I look forward to working with all stakeholders, including residents and businesses, to ensure that SMART lives up to its core values and provides safe, reliable and cost-effective transit services.”
In his free time Dwight enjoys once-a-week date nights with his wife Synthia, classic cars, quiet time and he is an avid reader and writer.
