Leslie Richards CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Leslie S. Richards is the general manager and chief executive officer of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) As the fifth largest public transportation agency in the U.S., SEPTA operates across six transportation modes. Before joining SEPTA, Richards served as the first woman secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). A advocate for women and diversity in transportation and government, Richards has been recognized for her leadership in the industry and commitment to public service. She earned a bachelor’s  in economics and urban studies from Brown University, and a master’s degree in regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania.