William E. Harrell, former president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), will be the featured speaker at the Old Dominion University School of Public Service Speakers Forum on Thursday, October 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Scholarship Lounge at S. B. Ballard Stadium.
Harrell retired in 2026 following a distinguished 40-year career in public service, including 14 years as president and CEO of HRT. During his leadership, he oversaw approximately 1,050 employees, managed a $150 million annual budget, and directed operations involving more than 270 buses and trolleys, as well as paratransit, ferry, and light rail services.
During his tenure, HRT secured the region's first dedicated source of transit revenue, established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020. This funding supported the development of 757 Express and more frequent service along key transit routes. His leadership also included the launch of Base Express at Naval Station Norfolk, OnDemand ridesharing, expanded paratransit services, and GoMobile fare payment.
Before joining HRT in 2012, Harrell held senior local government leadership positions in Virginia and North Carolina, including city manager of Chesapeake; chief administrative officer and deputy city manager of Richmond; and assistant city manager in Suffolk, Virginia, and Greensboro, North Carolina.
Harrell earned three degrees from the University of Virginia: a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in urban and regional planning, and a master's degree in public administration.