FTA Executive Director Matthew Welbes Retiring After 30 Years of Service

USDOT staff and industry colleagues recently gathered to honor outgoing Executive Director Matt Welbes, who is retiring after more than three decades of dedicated service. Under Welbes’ guidance, the FTA budget doubled to $20 billion and programs rose by 86 percent. In 2025, APTA honored Welbes with a distinguished service award at its TRANSform conference as part of its recognition of leaders in the public transportation industry.

“Matt Welbes has been a constant and trusted presence in the public transportation community for more than three decades. He brought steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the work,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “He has played a key role in strengthening FTA’s programs and supporting the people and systems that keep America moving. We congratulate Matt on an extraordinary career and thank him for his leadership and service.”

As executive director, Welbes directed the daily operations of the agency in support of public transportation services in communities across the United States. He supported the FTA Administrator in providing leadership and establishing direction on public transportation policies, budgets, and strategic priorities. He also guided the management of the agency’s annual budget and the 550 people who work with FTA’s stakeholders.

Welbes joined the Office of the Administrator as a senior advisor in 2001. He has been recognized with the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Service for long-term accomplishments and commitment to excellence in public service and he has received the Secretary of Transportation’s gold medal for Outstanding Service.