ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Katie Choe has been named as the new chief executive officer of commuter rail operator Virginia Railway Express.
The appointment, effective Jan. 20, 2026, was made at the Thursday, Dec. 4, meetings of the two agencies that oversee VRE, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
Choe replaces Rich Dalton, who retired in October [see “Virginia Railway Express CEO …,” Trains.com, June 26, 2025].
“The VRE Operations Board believes Ms. Choe is uniquely qualified as VRE’s next CEO,” VRE Operations Board Chair Sarah Bagley, vice mayor of Alexandria, said in a press release. “Her record of delivering transformative results for organizations through innovative, safety-oriented, and people-first leadership reflects the core values held dear at VRE.”
Choe has worked for more than 25 years in transportation program management and safety oversight. Most recently, she was chief of staff at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, following terms as chief engineer for City of Boston Public Works and as a program manager for the Massachusetts Port Authority.
“I am honored to join VRE at such a significant moment for regional mobility,” Choe said. “… I look forward to working alongside our talented staff and partners to enhance the rider experience, deliver transformative capital projects, and build VRE into the first choice for regional transportation in northern and central Virginia.”
