10/16/06
Patrick Harney, First Deputy Commissioner of Aviation for the City of Chicago, has been hired by the Chicago Transit Authority to oversee major construction projects, announced CTA President Frank Kruesi.
As Executive Vice-President of Construction, Engineering and Facilities Maintenance, Harney will direct projects such as the Brown Line capacity expansion project and the construction of a new station at 108 N. State as well as manage regular maintenance of tracks, signals and stations. In his new position he will be responsible for more than 1,300 employees and an annual budget of $160 million.
"Pat has a well-earned reputation as an experienced construction specialist capable of successfully managing complex projects. His past experience at the CTA will enable him to transition smoothly and quickly," said Kruesi.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to work on projects that will bring vital improvements to the CTA and its customers, and I look forward to working with a great team there," said Harney.
In his current position, Harney is responsible for the planning, development and environmental services for the Chicago Airport System. Prior to joining the Department of Aviation, he was Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for System Development Integration (SDI).
Harney was Vice-President of Construction and Maintenance at the CTA from 1997-1998 and resigned after he was charged with a DUI following an accident involving a CTA sedan. The charge was later dismissed.
?When Pat worked here previously I was impressed by his leadership and organizational skills and as his career has developed I have continued to be impressed by his ability to succeed in all his professional endeavors," said Kruesi.
Harney is expected to begin November 1. He replaces Susan Plassmeyer who is leaving at the end of the month to become Executive Director of Administration for Alumni and Development at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
"The department has a great team of people with a track record of on-time, on-budget project delivery and Pat's leadership skills will only make it stronger," said Plassmeyer.
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