Madison, Wis., transit chief Justin Stuehrenberg to leave for private sector job

By Nicole Pollack | Wisconsin State Journal (TNS)

MADISON, WIS. — Metro Transit's general manager, Justin Stuehrenberg, will leave his role on May 30 to take a job at a consulting firm, the mayor's office announced Wednesday.

Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp will serve as Metro's acting general manager while the city conducts a national search for Stuehrenberg's replacement, the mayor's office said. The hiring process is expected to last through early fall.

Stuehrenberg joined Metro in 2020 and oversaw its network redesign, the launch of its east-west Bus Rapid Transit route, the overhaul of its fare collection system and the expansion of its operations facilities.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the past five years," Stuehrenberg said in a statement.

He added, "I am confident that the talented team in place will continue this momentum as the agency moves into its next phase of operational excellence."

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Learn more about Stuehrenberg in our Off Duty profile

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Madison's City Council approved an extension of Stuehrenberg's contract for one year — rather than the typical five — in January.

"I really want to make sure that we have a checkpoint to make sure that everyone's in the right role, including myself, and the council, and the mayor, has an opportunity to revisit in a year, as well as myself," he said of the shorter contract duration at a January Finance Committee meeting.

Asked by Ald. Marsha Rummel at the Finance Committee meeting if he saw himself as "the person who launches stuff" or if he planned to remain at Metro, Stuehrenberg said he wanted to position Metro, the city and himself for success following the major changes made to the bus system.

"There's no question that my track record has been one of new projects," he said. "I do believe that a big part of making those projects successful is the transition into 'normalcy.'"

Stuehrenberg said in an email to city elected officials that he would be staying in Madison.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a statement that the news of Stuehrenberg's departure is bittersweet.

"Thanks to Justin’s leadership, Metro Transit is more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to community needs," she said. "His impact will be felt for years to come, and we are profoundly grateful for his contributions.

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