 |
An experienced public administrator, transportation official and scholar of government, Tom Downs is currently chairman of the North American Board of Veolia Transportation, a subsidiary of the Paris-based Corporation Veolia. Veolia runs about 2,100 transit systems around the globe, including 60 in the United States (with 24,000 U.S. employees).
From 2003 to 2008 Downs was president and CEO of the Eno Transportation Foundation, a forum for the discussion of emerging issues and policies in all fields of transportation. Prior to that, he directed the National Center for Smart Growth Education and Research at the University of Maryland. Downs has built a 40-year reputation on positioning organizations for success. Stressing the opportunities in in-fill development across metro areas, he helped the National Association of Home Builders’ 200,000 member-companies develop a constructive approach to the smart growth movement nationally. As CEO of AMTRAK, Downs was credited with leading the national passenger rail system from insolvency to a $2 billion capital investment fund in 1998. He has also served as Commissioner of Transportation in New Jersey and as President of the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority. As City Administrator of the District of Columbia in the 1980s, Downs oversaw the restoration of Union Station. Known for his infectious sense of humor, his irreverence, his mastery of history and his insights, Downs is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Last updated September 4, 2008 |