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Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced it appointed John Catoe Jr. general manager. Taking the reins in January, he’ll serve as a permanent successor to Richard White, who stepped down in February.

Dan Tangherlini, who had served as interim general manager, left the authority earlier this month to become city administrator under D.C. Mayor Adrian Felty, who was elected last week. In the meantime, WMATA’s Chief Operating Officer for Bus Jack Requa has been serving as acting general manager.

With 26 years’ experience in the transit industry, Catoe most recently served as deputy chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a position he’s held since 2001. He oversees the agency’s light- and heavy-rail lines, bus service and motorist aid program, as well as the planning and law enforcement departments, and safety and facilities programs.

A Washington, D.C. native, Catoe began his public transportation career in 1979 in the personnel department at the Orange County Transit District, where he worked for 17 years, lastly as director of operations. He later headed the city of Santa Monica’s transportation department.

“John’s enthusiasm for customer service and his proven record of success in transit is consistent with the board’s commitment to meet the region’s transit needs,” said WMATA Board Chairman Gladys Mack in a prepared statement.