Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles is retiring effective in January, News4 has learned.
Again breaking news - head of Metro, Rich Sarles, to retire mid January @nbcwashington #wmata — Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) September 24, 2014
"It is time to rebalance my life more toward family, friends and pursuing activities that I have wanted to do for a long time," he told the Metro Board of Directors.
The board gave him a standing ovation, Tuss reported.
"Oh God are we ever going to miss you," Metro Board Chair Tom Downs said.
Metro Board Chair Tom Downs: "Metro's achievements and accomplishments over the last 5 years a tribute to (Sarles') leadership" #wmata — Adam Tuss (@AdamTuss) September 24, 2014
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Board member Mort Downey said he was shocked by the announcement.
Sarles said his biggest accomplishment was the National Transportation Safety Board saying Metro went from worst to first.
The board appointed Sarles in January 2011 after he served eight months as interim general manager.