MORGANTOWN – The nationwide search to replace retired Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Bill Austin ultimately took the MMMPO Policy Board’s search committee to The Empire State.
Mark Debald, the transportation program administrator for the Dutchess County (New York) Transportation Council has been hired as the local MPO’s next executive director.
The DCTC is the designated MPO for Dutchess County.
Currently living in the Poughkeepsie, New York area, Debald is expected to step into the role this fall.
According to the MPO press release, he’ll bring more than 30 years of experience to the job, including 26 years with the Dutchess County MPO, where he’s served as a planner, senior planner, and, for the last 16 years, executive director.
Prior to his planning career, Debald served as a transportation officer in the U.S. Army.
“Mark’s military service and extensive experience in the metropolitan planning organization world will be a strong base as he takes the helm of the MMMPO,” Policy Board Chair Russ Rogerson said. “His knowledge of transportation planning will allow him to quickly pick up the many significant projects the MMMPO has in the pipeline as well as guide Monongalia County into the future.”
Austin announced in January his plans to retire June 30 after 17 years in the position.
“I want to thank the advisory board for entrusting me with this leadership role. The Morgantown region stands on its own: it has a strong sense of place and civic engagement. And although I may be new to the area, I’m not new to metropolitan planning. I’ll be singularly focused on using my experience and knowledge to continue the great work done by Bill and his team, and to make the planning process work for the Morgantown region and its communities. I look forward to progressing some great projects and adding to the energy already on the ground.” Debald said.
The press release notes Debald is joining the MMMPO at a critical time. Congress is currently drafting a new federal transportation bill that will shape future federal funding.
“We’ll want to watch this pending legislation, as it may present some new opportunities for the MMMPO and its partners,” Debald said.
The MMMPO Policy Board Search Committee included Jeff Arnett (Monongalia County Commissioner); Joe Abu-Ghannam (Morgantown City Councilor); Patty Lewis (Mayor, Granville); Maria Smith (CEO, Mountain Line Transit Authority); and Rogerson (CEO, Morgantown Area Partnership).
“The Policy Board was committed to finding the best candidate for the executive director position,” Rogerson said. “We attracted a strong group of candidates when we searched locally, statewide, regionally and nationally. Mark’s experience, professionalism and approach to transportation challenges and opportunities made him stand out.”
The MMMPO Policy Board has asked Monongalia County Planning Director Andrew Gast-Bray to serve as the interim executive director until Debald’s arrival.
“The MMMPO has two experienced planners – Jing Zhang and Jackie Peate – to keep the transportation work moving forward during the interim period,” Rogerson said. “We thank the Monongalia County Commission and Andrew for stepping up to assist as well as Jing and Jackie. We have confidence in these three to keep up the momentum during this transition.”
Established in 2003, the MMMPO is the federally designated transportation planning agency for Morgantown and Monongalia County, serving as a regional partnership among the West Virginia DOT, the local transit agency, local elected leadership, local government, business community, and citizens.
The MMMPO has the authority to plan, prioritize, and recommend transportation projects for federal and state funding. It is responsible for ensuring the region is following federal and state planning requirements.
