Governor Deval Patrick appointed Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and Chief Executive Officer effective September 2, 2011. Secretary Davey leads an organization that operates with a single mission: to provide a safe, reliable and efficient transportation network for residents of the Commonwealth. Additionally, Governor Patrick charged him with implementing transportation reform that will allow MassDOT to lead the nation in transportation excellence. Secretary Davey will achieve this goal by making a strong commitment to safety, customer service, and fiscal responsibility.
Prior to his current appointment, Secretary Davey served as MBTA General Manager and MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator. During his tenure as GM and Rail & Transit Administrator, he was responsible for managing the MBTA and overseeing the Commonwealth's 15 Regional Transit Authorities and MassDOT's freight and passenger rail program. With his energetic leadership style, he was able to implement sustainable and impactful initiatives that focused on safety, customer service, employee relations, fiscal responsibility, and innovation.
Prior to joining MassDOT, Secretary Davey served as General Manager at the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR), the company that operates and maintains the MBTA?s commuter rail service. At MBCR, he initiated programs that improved operations and safety, strengthened customer service, and changed the culture within the company.
Under Secretary Davey’s leadership, MassDOT has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to transportation, including the Accelerated Bridge Program, the I-93 “Fast 14” work, and the first in the nation MBTA mobile ticket application and the Where’s my Bus?” and “Where’s my train?” applications. In 2013, Secretary Davey was selected by the Construction Management Association of America as the Person of the Year Award for his leadership and advancement of innovation throughout the state. In 2012, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce named Secretary Davey one of Ten Outstanding Young Leaders. In 2010, the Boston Business Journal named Secretary Davey a “Top 40 Under 40” award winner. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Immigrant Learning Center, a non-profit center providing free English classes to immigrants and the Board of Directors for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a Juris Doctorate summa cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law. Secretary Davey and his wife live car free in Boston and are regular users of the MBTA. They adore their two cats Benny and Spago.