DRPT welcomes Zach Trogdon as next Chief of Public Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2022

Contact:
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
Amy Friedenberger
amy.friedenberger@drpt.virginia.gov
(804) 573-5270

DRPT welcomes Zach Trogdon as its next Chief of Public Transportation
Trogdon comes from Williamsburg Area Transit Authority

RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is excited to announce that Zach Trogdon has joined the agency as its next Chief of Public Transportation to provide leadership to Virginia’s public transportation programs. Trogdon, who comes to DRPT from the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, begins his new position on October 25.

Trogdon will lead the evaluation, assistance, and execution of a $4.7 billion portfolio of public transportation, commuter assistance, and congestion management programs throughout the Commonwealth.

Trogdon comes to DRPT with two decades of executive experience in the public sector, most recently as the Executive Director of the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority. While leading the daily activities of the Authority, he managed the progress of important capital facility projects through the acquisition of needed real estate. He also worked with the Authority's fiscal agent to establish a Capital Fund for the Authority to more effectively plan the acquisition, maintenance, and repair of major capital assets.

“We are thrilled to welcome Zach Trogdon to DRPT as its next Chief of Public Transportation,” DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl said. “His track record of success as a public sector executive will be valuable at DRPT during a transformative time in the public transportation industry with opportunities to improve services for Virginians.”

“I am honored to join DRPT as the next Chief of Public Transportation and lead this agency through a pivotal time in the future of public transportation,” Trogdon said. “There have been many great advances in public transportation over the last several years and I look forward to working with all public transportation partners to deliver safe and reliable services that meet the needs of Virginians.”

Prior to serving at the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, Trogdon was the County Administrator in Charles City County and a Town Manager in North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington, holds a master’s degree in public administration from the College of Charleston and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

DeBruhl served as DRPT’s previous Chief of Public Transportation in the newly created role. She was named the agency’s Director in June 2022 after serving in an acting capacity since March. DeBruhl joined DRPT in 2016 and is credited with the development of Virginia’s Making Efficient + Responsible Investments in Transit (MERIT) program to bring accountability and transparency to public transportation funding and implementing the Virginia Breeze intercity bus service in rural communities across the Commonwealth.

About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation connects and improves the quality of life for all Virginians through innovative transportation solutions. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights. For more information, please visit www.drpt.virginia.gov.