City of Glendale Names Ryan Lee New Transportation Director
An experienced city of Glendale leader who has successfully negotiated with other governmental agencies to secure critical funding for transportation needs for residents will be transitioning to a new role. Ryan Lee will represent Glendale as the city’s new Director of Transportation.
Lee, who most recently served as Glendale’s Director of Government Relations, will manage all facets of the city’s transportation department, which includes Glendale’s airport and transit services, as well as its pavement management program. He also will direct the activities and staff involved in traffic signals, road signs and street striping. He will also oversee transportation strategic planning, traffic engineering and our city school education programs. Additionally, Lee will help steer the city in developing recommendations regarding Glendale’s Transportation and Airport master plans, as well as the Transportation Department’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
“Ryan Lee is a proven leader in Glendale and has worked alongside our transportation staff in every area of transit and transportation,” said Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps. “He understands the vital connection between transportation and successful economic development strategies. He is fully prepared to help Glendale deliver on our significant investment in transportation infrastructure and services, which increase our residents’ quality of life and ensure their safety.”
Lee has been involved in Glendale transportation strategies for more than a decade in city, county, state and federal government settings. His knowledge, passion and advocacy skills paved the way for Glendale to receive an infusion of $151 million into the city’s transportation department, as part of the city’s share of arterial funding within the Proposition 479 Regional Transportation Sales Tax. He is skilled and experienced with taking a collaborative approach to working with residents and elected bodies to identify issues and articulate opportunities, as well as provide informative, regular updates on progress toward achieving goals.
“I am excited to join an incredible group of transportation leaders who are widely recognized as top experts in their fields,” Lee said. “The Glendale City Council has made transportation infrastructure and the safety of our residents a top priority, and I am committed to making sure that the Transportation Department accomplishes that.”
Lee earned a master’s degree in public administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Arizona University.