Michael Smith

Mike Smith (Arch ’05) was honored in Mass Transit magazine as a member of the 2021 class of the publication’s “40 Under 40.” The annual feature recognizes 40 up-and-comers in the public transportation industry for their contributions, innovation, leadership, and community impact. Currently serving as Chief of Safety for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, Mike was selected out of over 150 nominations representing a cross-section of disciplines from across the U.S. in both the public and private sectors. He is proud of his humble beginnings as a student driver at UVA’s University Transit Service, a position he held both through all four years of study as an urban and environmental planning major in the School of Architecture, and also after graduating, on a part-time basis limited to late nights and weekends. He has worked in a variety of roles in a 20-year career, in operations, safety, regulatory compliance, and project management.