METRO Announces UH Bauer College As Partner in New Leader Development Program

The New METRO and the University of Houston (UH)  C.T. Bauer College of Business announced today they will be graduating a first class of 24 special leaders – as the result of a partnership to provide management training at the area’s largest regional transportation authority. George Greanias, president & CEO for METRO, says the new program allows his organization to more fully develop future management with a nine-month regimen developed by UH and METRO staff.

“This curriculum identifies and develops our most talented people, preparing them for leadership roles within the Authority,” said Greanias who spearheaded the program. “The regimen helps participants to develop in key areas with lessons on strategic planning, building collaborative partnerships, organizational behavior and professional integrity.”  The 3-hour classes are held weekly.

Successful graduates of the new program will be better prepared to advance transit, and their careers, as they learn the art of leadership, along with lessons on everything from METRO’s organizational history to long-range planning.

Leanne Atwater, Ph.D., chairperson and professor for the Department of Management at Bauer  College, helped create the teaching modules which include Business Acumen, Team Development and Effective Communications. Atwater notes, “This is a great opportunity to educate, inspire and shape a great transit system for Houston.”

In addition to developing the modules, Atwater’s group also facilitates the second semester classroom sessions. Under the guidance of Sandy Frieden, Ph.D., a team of UH Bauer students deliver the lessons and develop valuable experience in real world consulting.

Art Smiley, METRO’s team leader on the project, says “Our participants and the Bauer students are gaining so much from this experience, it’s a win-win for METRO and UH Bauer.”

About METRO Established in 1978, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest provider of public transit. METRO brings customers safe, reliable and affordable transportation services 370,000 times each day operating more than 1,200 buses, and the Main St. (Red) Light-Rail Line. Rail service is expanding with more than 15 miles of track on three new lines now under construction and expected to be open for passengers in 2014. Other METRO services include: Star Vanpool, METROLift, HOV lanes, and HOT lanes, METRO’s Bikes-on-Buses/Trains program, and Park & Ride and road improvement projects improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of area residents daily.