For nearly 25 years, Pasquale Deon has held the board chair role at SEPTA, but he will soon step down from the role, writes Mike DeNardo for KYW Newsradio.

“I think it’s time for some new looks and some new leadership here at the authority,” Deon said about his decision.

He originally joined as a SEPTA board member in 1995, and was appointed to the board chair role in 1999. 

Deon’s current five-year term ends this year. 

Over his 24 years at the helm, Deon classifies his proudest achievements as helping to secure Act 89 and Act 44, which established predictable funding for transit. 

His biggest defeat, however, came last year when lawmakers were unable to replace the funding, as SEPTA faces a $240 million shortfall next fiscal year.

During his tenure, SEPTA established station naming rights to bring in additional revenue

“I’ll be ending up with a balanced budget after 20-some years of being on the board,” Deon said. “It’s the first time we’ve balanced a budget that long.”

SEPTA’s January 25 board meeting will be Deon’s last, and board vice chair Ken Lawrence will handle the chairman role duties until a new leader is elected.

Read more about Pasquale Deon’s tenure at the helm of the SEPTA board in KYW Newsradio.

_____