August 27, 2026 -- President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Brian Smith, who led GoTriangle through arguably its most successful year in the transit agency’s history, has been named the CEO at Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Virginia’s largest multi-modal agency outside of the Washington, D.C. metro area. Before coming to GoTriangle, Smith was with Hampton Roads Transit for 16 years, rising from an entry-level position to Deputy CEO.

“It has been a tremendous honor to have been part of many milestones that we reached over the past year,” Smith said. “With the support of Chair Baldwin and the Board of Trustees, we worked diligently both internally and externally to strengthen service delivery, advance key initiatives, and continue building trust with the communities we serve. My hat’s off to the entire GoTriangle team. Their hard work has delivered tangible results and built a stronger foundation for continued success.”

GoTriangle reached new heights under Smith’s leadership since his appointment in June 2025. Under his tenure, the agency:

  • Completed three successful rounds of service changes that resulted in a 33 percent increase in transit service, the most added in a single year since 1994
  • Celebrated the grand opening of the award-winning, 39,000-square-foot Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility (RUS Bus) ahead of schedule and within budget
  • Supported strong ridership growth, with average weekday boardings in April 2026 up more than 30 percent compared to April 2025
  • Deployed North Carolina’s first regional 15-minutes frequency bus service, providing enhanced connections between Durham and Chapel Hill, including the University of North Carolina, Duke University, downtown areas, and major medical facilities
  • Established new GoPass partnerships, including with North Carolina Central University and William Peace University, allowing students, faculty, and staff to ride regional transit for free all across the Triangle
  • Kicked off a Regional Bus Blueprint study that is evaluating GoTriangle’s service area and exploring opportunities for future regional transit infrastructure and service upgrades

“We are grateful for the leadership, integrity and vision Dr. Smith has provided GoTriangle during his time here,” said GoTriangle Board of Trustees Chair Mary-Ann Baldwin. “He has led the agency with an eye on long-term and sustainable plans for efficient and effective public transportation in the Triangle. He also strengthened relationships with our partners and built a strong internal team that is ready to lead us into the future. We are sad to see him go but we are happy for him and this opportunity."

GoTriangle’s Deputy CEO Katharine Eggleston will serve as Interim President and CEO. Eggleston will step into the role as the Board continues its work to identify a permanent successor.