Write On METRO : George Greanias

CEO to Resign

Mary Sit — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:50:00 GMT

METRO President & CEO George Greanias said he will resign effective Dec. 31.

"Now is the right time for me to step down and create the next chapter in my career," said Greanias in his resignation letter to METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia.

Greanias has been the head of METRO for the past two and a half years, recruited as CEO after leading Mayor Annise Parker's METRO transition team. His accomplishments as president and CEO include:

Resolving METRO's "Buy America" issues
Addressing Federal Transit Administration issues over METRO procurements
Placing the General Mobility Program on a pay-as-you-go basis
Fostering a culture of openness and transparency

Garcia praised Greanias' accomplishments and said the board will discuss options for an interim CEO and a new president and CEO at METRO's next board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 20.

"George has done an outstanding job of turning things around at METRO and focusing on openness and transparency. We look forward to a smooth transition," said Garcia.

Greanias, a former city council member, city controller and management consultant, said he appreciated the hard work of the agency's 3,400 employees and is honored to have worked with them.

"One of my career highlights now includes my time at METRO and working with a talented group of people who work every day to provide the best transit services for this region," Greanias said.

METRO President & CEO George Greanias reported on the state of METRO yesterday at the Greater Houston Partnership luncheon, saying that METRO has fixed problems, changed the way the agency does business and continues to make things work every day,with people using METRO services 370,000 times a day in the Houston region.

In a sweeping synopsis of the agency’s recent past problems – from Buy America issues on purchasing its trains to borrowing money to make payments in the General Mobility Program – Greanias showed how the agency tackled each issue and refocused its energy on its core mission.

“METRO matters because it works,” said Greanias, characteristically tossing off his jacket within minutes. “People in Houston won’t ride transit if it‘s not there. They won’t ride it if it’s not reliable, convenient, safe and frequent. But when you give them that package and when you connect the activity centers the way we did with this rail line, transit works in Houston.”

In addition to detailing what METRO is doing correctly now, Greanias hinted at things to come: acquiring smaller, 12-seat vehicles to run in neighborhoods that have little demand but still need service; accordion-like, articulated buses to carry more riders on crowded routes; a scheduled bus replacement of 100 a year; and double the number of new shelters to 200 a year by 2015.

By 2014, Greanias said we’ll have three new rail lines running – the North Line, Southeast Line and East End Line.

“METRO matters to Houston,” said Greanias. “Having been at METRO for two and a half years, having seen the progress in making things happen every day...the way (the employees) are making sure METRO is getting better every day – this team of folks will bring you the transit system this region needs and deserves.”

Click here to see the entire speech, as well as opening remarks by METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia, who spoke on the referendum and what the recent vote means.

today's video about METRO's newest "baby."

Reliant Energy one featuring Andre Johnson; the green Museum District train; and, over the holidays, the Santa wrap promoting the Houston Downtown Management District.

All these wrapped trains are part of our initiative to partner with the community. In exchange for the wraps, these organizations (which pay for the wraps, by the way), offer discounts and/or pay for your rides on certain days.

In this latest edition of METRO Matters, George Greanias, METRO president & CEO, talks about why partnering with the community is vital. He also offers an update on our FY 2012 budget and the building of our two light-rail lines.

Click here to watch the video. (Runs 15 minutes). You can also watch it on television on Comcast's HMS TV, Channel 17 at these air times:

Thu. 1/5/12 6:15 p.m.

Sat. 1/7/12 11:45 a.m.

Mon. 1/9/12 7:45 p.m.

Wed. 1/11/12 8:00 p.m.

Fri. 1/13/12 12:30 p.m.

Mon. 1/16/12 10:00 p.m.

Wed. 1/18/12 6:15 p.m.

Fri. 1/20/12 10:30 p.m.

Sun. 1/22/12 12:00 p.m.

Tue. 1/24/12 7:45 p.m.

Thu. 1/26/12 7:30 p.m.

Sat. 1/28/12 10:30 p.m.

METRO Matters also airs on Comcast's HCC-TV, Channel 19 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and you'll find it on You Tube.

METRO President & CEO George Greanias told business leaders yesterday that Houston needs smart transit - and he's determined to deliver it by bus, train, trolley, tram or even a yak.

At a Greater Houston Partnership luncheon yesterday on the state of METRO, Greanias outlined METRO's services, summarized the triage that took place a year ago after the battered agency was hammered with lawsuits and ordered to scrap a rail contract due to Buy America violations, then focused on how the agency is moving forward to build first-class transit and partnerships in the community.

Greanias said that in fiscal year 2012, which began in October of this year, METRO is focusing on four priorities: deliver smart service, build rail, right-size the organization and plan for the future.

"You won't use what's not there," said Greanias. "If we provide transit in this region, people will use that transit. But it's got to be there, it's got to be reliable, it's got to be convenient. Smart service thinks about the entire trip, and it uses whatever works."

Smart service also looks at the entire trip - not just time on a vehicle. That means good sidewalks that offer access to bus stops, and shelters at those stops. Greanias says he tell his staff to be "mode agnostic."

"I do not care what we use to move you. There will be cases when a 40-foot bus will be exactly right. There will be areas when...light-rail would be appropriate. It may be a trolley or a tram," said Greanias, roaming between luncheon tables as he spoke with sleeves rolled up. "METRO is oriented to do whatever works. Whether it's a bus, a train, a taxicab or God forbid, a yak, I will move people across this town."

Greanias said that the federal government is scheduled to give us $900 million to build two light-rail lines - the first time the agency has received federal money. Contracts are expected to be signed on Nov. 28.

METRO's challenge going forward is to build the kind of transit the community wants, adding that citizens in some 30 community meetings told METRO that Houston is way behind.

"At the end of the day, transit is a need, not a want. Transit is a necessity, not a luxury. The challenge for us isn't to decide whether we need transit. The challenge for us is how best can we provide the transit we need for the economic growth, the economic health of the community.

"Our goal at METRO ...is to make sure that as the community works toward those decisions, METRO is the kind of partner that can execute the community's wishes," continued Greanias. "So we can join hands with the community and build the kind of transit system that we believe we need, that we believe we deserve and I believe, that by the end of the day, we will have."

Click here to view Greanias' entire speech (runs 31:11) and the accompanying slide show.

Greater Houston Partnership's luncheon.

Greanias told KUHF/Houston Public Radio today that METRO has some ambitious goals it wants to meet. It expects to sign agreements soon to receive $900 million in federal money to build light-rail. Right now, we expect the North Line (Red Line) and Southeast Line (Purple Line) to be completed in early 2014.

The agency also plans to focus on creating a long-term regional transit plan.

"We're going to be looking at our route structure for buses," Greanias told KUHF. "For a long time, people have been concerned that we're not efficiently using our bus system."

Click here to listen to or read the report. Click here for luncheon details.

If you miss the luncheon, we'll have Greanias' speech posted on our web site.

15^th Annual Museum District Day and to ride the rail to get there.

After taking the train to the museum district, you can hop on a free shuttle bus that will ferry you to your choice of 17 museums, where there will be free admission for the day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We're blessed in the city of Houston with a wealth of museums," said Parker. "We're also blessed in the city of Houston with having a first-class transit system...so ride the rail and enjoy Museum Day."

George Greanias, METRO president & CEO, said the green museum train was an example of being a trusted community partner. "It underscores the relationship between METRO and the museums," he said of the wrapped train. "Take the train to the museums...it's a way to relax and enjoy the arts."

The Museum District paid for the wrapped train.

Also attending the news conference were: Gilbert Garcia, METRO chairman; Josef Helfenstein, director of The Menil Collection and chairman of the Houston Museum District Association; Laurette Canizares, executive director, the Houston Museum District Association and Jonathon Glus, president & CEO of Houston Arts Alliance.

In the group shot above, left to right are: Glus, Helfenstein, Canizares, Parker, Greanias and Garcia.

this statement today.

Click here to read more.

George Greanias.

Greanias was one of three keynote speakers last Friday at the 2011 Diversity Summit, where hundreds of attendees gathered at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square for a day of seminars that ranged from corporate bullying to unwritten rules.

"The real work is how much we take away to our individual workplaces and apply....and do that in a way that we not only serve the values and needs of the organization but of the individual," said Greanias.

Diversity is a fact of life, he said.

"To the degree that we fight it, we undermine the very values on which this country has been established," he continued. "We are committed to the values of diversity."

METRO was one of 32 sponsors, along with Shell, Rice, HEB, Wells Fargo - and the organizer, the Association of Chinese American Professionals (AACP).

"It is important that METRO participate in these types of summits because we represent the communities we serve," said Helen Cavazos, METRO's chief diversity officer and a member of the Diversity Summit planning committee. "This is an opportunity to show our support and interact with other leaders to promote and celebrate diversity."

Dr. Michael P. Williams, trustee of Houston Community College and a keynote speaker, said diversity was once considered a melting pot. Now, it's considered more like a quilt, where different pieces are stitched together to create something.

Irma Diaz-Gonzales, president and CEO of Employment Training Centers and chairwoman of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said creating an inclusive environment is about "a bunch of small changes. What are you doing in ways large and small to move from yesterday's diversity to today's inclusion?" she challenged the audience. "Organizations must have the willingness, the motivation and the ability to understand and respect the unique contributions of each individual."

Break-out sessions included lively discussions, thoughtful questions and information-packed presentations by top experts. Ken Jones, director of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Houston, gave tips on "Starting or Expanding Your Business in the New Economy." He said that before entrepreneurs open their doors for business, they should follow the "6+6" rule - six months of operating expenses, plus six months of your personal cash needs in the bank.

"It's hard to achieve, but a great goal. Most small business people fail because they don't think long-term," he said. "If you have depth, you have the ability to think through and not overreact."

Vibhore "VJ" Jain, managing partner at Research Periodicals & Book Services, said he asked customers why they turned down his business. He discovered two issues: The price was too high and delivery time. He increased market share by going after smaller clients, offering a lower price but making up that smaller profit margin with the larger clients.

At the "Corporate Bullying" workshop, Craig B. Clayton Sr., founder and CEO of the Sp@rtacus Group, told how one out of six people has been bullied at work with up to 80 percent of bullying involving a boss. Women are targeted about 77 percent of the time. He offered tips to manage bullies, including: enlisting support among coworkers; maintaining emotional control and practicing using the right words.

Cavazos said summits like this really do make a difference.

"We all need reinforcement and a continuous reminder of valuing differences and how to interact with others and treat each other with dignity and respect," she said.

In the group shot above, left to right: Cecil Fong, executive director, AACP; Helen Cavazos, METRO vp/chief diversity officer; Dolly Brenneman, president Brenneman Consulting; John Sequeira, diversity & inclusion officer, Shell Oil, and 2011 Diversity Champion Award recipient; and Dr. Jill Carroll, scholar/writer/speaker, and 2011 Diversity Champion Award recipient.

Photo 2: George Greanias, METRO president & CEO. Photo 3: Hilda Montemayor, METRO's people services officer, hands a survey to an attendee. The METRO booth, organized by our HR & Diversity department , offered brochures, maps, and a black METRO tote bag to attendees. Kudos to America Anguiano, METRO staffing rep, who cheerfully and patiently worked the booth all day, answering conference-goers' questions.

Fresh Air Friday today at Jones Plaza at 615 Louisiana.

Guest speakers include METRO President & CEO George Greanias and Mayor Annise Parker.

We'll be hosting a hybrid bus and STAR commuter van display, along with an information table with brochures about our services.

Learn about clean air programs, clean-engine technology and commuter alternatives. If you drive to work, today is a good day to explore commute solutions.

Make a commitment to take action. Once you declare your action, you'll be entered to win prizes that will be announced today at Fresh Air Friday.

We'll be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Transit Intelligence that his past experiences - from college professor to lawyer to playwright - are all helping him run METRO.

He even wrote a book on how to deal with boards of directors.

When asked how he feels about having little professional transit experience, Greanias replied, "A non-transit professional who understands organizations and how to bring out the best in them is in many respects what the organization needs at this point in time."

He calls his management style collaborative and believes in the collective wisdom of effectively run teams.

And he confirmed that he conducts most of his meetings standing around waist-high tables. "It's much harder to fall asleep if you're standing up, unless you're a horse," he quipped.

Click here to read the entire Q & A interview. Greanias is pictured here standing at his desk.

George Greanias, METRO's president & CEO, has been leading the agency since last May.

The Rice graduate has been a management consultant, city councilor, city controller, attorney, college professor and published playwright.

And now he's running one of the biggest transit agencies in the nation, and he's making bold changes.

Watch the latest edition of METRO Matters and find out what Greanias thinks he brings to the table, why he's asking his executive team to ride the bus or train 40 times a month and what his vision is for the NEW METRO.

Click here to see a preview. You can also watch it on television. Here are dates when it will air on Comcast's Channel 19 HMS TV, Houston Media Source TV, the city's public access channel. Or catch it on-the-go on your smart phone on You Tube.

Wed. 12/15/10 8:15 p.m.

Sat. 12/18/10 10:45 a.m.

Tues 12/21/10 6:15 p.m.

Fri 12/24/10 7:45 p.m.

Mon 12/27/10 9:00 p.m.

Thurs 12/30/10 7:45 p.m.

Mon 1/3/11 7:00 p.m.

Thu 1/6/11 7:30 p.m.

Sun 1/9/11 11:30 p.m.

Wed 1/12/11 9:30 p.m.

Sat 1/15/11 2:00 p.m.

Tue 1/18/11 7:30 pm.

George Greanias, METRO's president & CEO, asked leaders of the Houston business community to support public transit and to support METRO.

He made those remarks today at a luncheon sponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership, a network of the city's most powerful leaders.

"The question for all of us is: If we build the new METRO...will you join us? Will you help us? We're going to work our hearts out," said Greanias, adding, "One of the down sides of being a local guy is, if I screw this up, I will have to live with it. But I don't intend to screw this up."

Greanias spoke in his trademark blue shirt, shedding coat and rolling up his sleeves in front of the packed crowd, to illustrate his everyday work routine.

He gave a six-month progress report, detailing METRO's strategic challenges. One of the chief challenges facing METRO is to restore faith in the agency. Key actions METRO has taken to do that include:

Held seven regular and seven special board meetings
Replaced the CEO
Reorganized around a core mission
Adopted strategic priorities and operating principles
Preserved access to federal funding
Began restoring the FTA relationship
Advanced new rail-car procurement per FTA findings
Significantly reduced the budget to match resources
Moved the General Mobility Program to a cash basis
Implemented new records and e-mail retention policy
Posted board meetings and materials on the Internet
Posted METRO's check register online

Greanias said he spoke recently with a top official at the Federal Transit Administration, who called public transit in Houston a combat sport. But Greanias remained optimistic about METRO's relationship with the FTA.

"We have been working hard to remedy 15 years of bad blood with the FTA," said Greanias, adding that at a recent breakfast with an FTA administrator, the person acknowledged seeing a difference at METRO.

Greanias cautioned that changing an organization like METRO can't be done overnight. "We have to be persistent and consistent in what we're doing," he said.

What's next for METRO? Getting the three light-rail lines back on a path to a reasonable completion date and figuring out what it takes to make sure that the $900 million in federal grants comes in.

He compared Houston's 7.2 miles of light rail to Dallas' 72 miles, urging the audience to help close the gap in public transit and to support METRO in the next referendum in 2012 or early 2013.

"To win that election, we're going to need strong business support," he said. "You all are our leaders in this community," said Greanias. "People in this room all have a leadership responsibility....this is the challenge we need to address. "

Click here to see the Power Point presentation by Greanias.

Click here to view a video of Greanias’ speech. Runs 28:02.

In the second photo, METRO Chairman Gilbert A. Garcia listens to Greanias speak at the luncheon.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on West Alabama Saturday morning to hear about development coming to the Montrose area, and what can be done to make the changes work for their neighborhood. H-E-B's new store design was the big draw, but traffic in the area was also a hot topic, as METRO President & CEO George Greanias and Capital Programs Sr. VP David Couch discussed plans for the 11.4 mile University Light Rail Line that will be coming to the area soon.

Greanias, who once represented the area before city council, shared that while budget cuts have caused METRO to slow construction of light-rail projects, the extra time will allow further collaboration on the University Line. David Robinson, president of the Neartown Association, a collection of 21 Montrose area civic groups and other organizations, welcomed speakers and questions from those gathered.

METRO's partner in this historic project, the city of Houston, had representatives on hand to answer questions that fall under its jurisdiction, such as turns, signals and lane width along the Richmond portion of the alignment.

METRO architects presented renderings of what platforms and stations might look like in this area. Meanwhile, H-E-B showed off three store designs and asked residents to vote on a favorite. The jury is still out on that, along with a start date for the University Line, although the alignment has received a favorable Record of Decision from the FTA. The line will extend from Hillcroft Transit Center to UH Central Campus and the Eastwood Transit Center. Construction for the new H-E-B starts in the spring of 2011, and opening is expected in fall.

H-E-B representatives said Dunlavy between Richmond and Alabama will be widened and at Alabama and Dunlavy, the light will be reconfigured to allow left turns. Deliveries will be made in 28-foot tractor trailers which are more neighborhood-friendly. METRO chief George Greanias said he was pleased with the turnout and the exchange of ideas.

METRO Reduces, Suspends Contracts

Mary Sit — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 20:44:00 GMT

METRO President & CEO George Greanias told his board of directors yesterday that the agency had suspended or reduced 121 supply and engineering contracts until additional funds are available.

Greanias referred to a letter he had sent to the board's finance committee last Friday, outlining how METRO was implementing the FY11 budget approved by the board.

The new budget for the METRO Rail Expansion Program is 68 percent less than the budget first proposed for the new year - down to $143 million from $458.

The budget was slashed because, on Sept. 8, 2010, the Federal Transit Administration said that it would not release funds because the agency had violated Buy America rules in procuring trains.

"In order to make that kind of reduction, we have had no alternative but to suspend or eliminate many contracts," said Greanias at yesterday's board meeting.

He said it was a difficult task as the staff tried to be thorough in their review. The 121 contracts affected include 80 construction contracts, 30 engineering contracts, six small business contracts and five community outreach contracts.

"If we continue on the current path, we will continue utility reconstruction to the end of this calendar year," said Greanias. "This is to me, a very difficult but prudent path. What I strove to do in putting together a budget this year was to eliminate any surprise. We've taken the agency down to the foundation."

Gilbert Garcia, METRO's chair. "When I first came to this board, I really thought we need to do a search. But you know what? We have the best guy right here, the best person."

"He's already proven that in the budget - tough decisions. He's proven it in the reorganization that he's been working on," continued Garcia. "And, I am so happy that he is my partner as we progress forward with the NEW METRO."

Long-time Board Member Jimmy Stewart said the 62-year-old leader brings something that hasn't been associated with the board.

"He brings a new culture...the NEW METRO...a culture of transparency," said Stewart. "He is not someone from the transit industry. He is bringing an outside perspective that we so badly need. He knows Houston, and brings insight."

Greanias served as a Houston City Council member from 1982 through 1987 and was city controller until 1995. Most recently, he was partner at CLG, a leading behavioral management firm.

"It's been a very challenging three to four months, but I was extremely honored when Gilbert asked if the board was willing to ask me to serve as acting. It was an honor to start working with the staff at this organization to realize what talent there is at METRO and what a commitment they have to the mission of this organization. It's been a real honor to work with this group," said the new president & CEO.

Board Member Christof Spieler, however, warned Greanias that the board would continue to function as a watchdog over the agency.

Greanias acknowledged the board was his bosses, just as the public is the boss of the board.

"I have no problem at all about being carefully scrutinized, guided, counseled, criticized from time to time - that's all part of the package," said Greanias.

Greanias called METRO a great organization with a critical mission to help build this community's future.

"The fact that you are giving me the opportunity to help on that task, and to work with the people on the staff and the people on this board, and with the community and all the various stakeholder groups, well, I mean for somebody who loves this city the way I do and who is going to spend the rest of his life here, you cannot have given me a greater gift. Thank you very, very much," Greanias told the board.

Click here to see the one-page employment contract. Garcia said Greanias' base salary will remain the same as when he was acting president & CEO - $235,020 annually.

George Greanias and his strategy of leading our agency.

The 62-year-old former management consultant, city controller, mayoral candidate, attorney, Rice professor and playwright possesses a diverse background that is an asset for METRO, despite lack of transit experience, writes Snyder.

But his first interest in transit began at age 11 when he wrote a letter to the newspaper editor, objecting to the planned move of a trolley transit station in his hometown of Decatur, Ill.

METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia says Greanias has earned the respect of the community and the board since his May appointment as acting president & CEO, adding that an executive search was not needed with a qualified candidate already on board.

Click here to read more.

Click here to see the Power Point presentation by Greanias.