Virginia Railway Express Names Katie Choe As New CEO

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Virginia Railway Express will see leadership change hands after a new CEO was appointed.

Effective January 20, 2026, Katie Choe was named CEO of VRE, effective Jan. 20, 2026. Choe was appointed by VRE's two governing bodies, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission on Thursday. Choe replaces former CEO Rich Dalton, who retired in early October.

"I am honored to join VRE at such a significant moment for regional mobility," Choe said in a statement. "VRE plays a critical role in connecting communities and supporting economic growth across Northern and Central Virginia and the greater Washington region. 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."

Choe was appointed after a nationwide search and selection process led by the VRE Chief Executive Officer Search Committee. Choe was most recently the chief of staff at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority serving the greater Boston area. Her previous roles included chief engineer for the City of Boston Public Works and program manager at Massport, the Massachusetts Port Authority.

“The VRE Operations Board believes Ms. Choe is uniquely qualified as VRE’s next CEO,” said Sarah Bagley, Alexandria's vice mayor who serves as VRE Operations Board chair. “Her record of delivering transformative results for organizations through innovative, safety-oriented, and people-first leadership reflects the core values held dear at VRE.”

The appointment comes as VRE and partners pursue major rail projects like the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s Long Bridge improvement project, the third and fourth track projects at Franconia, Alexandria, and L’Enfant, and improvements at individual stations. There is also a future Potomac Shores station planned on the Fredericksburg Line to serve the growing Prince William County development.

VRE says it intends to expand service beyond a commuter-focused rail service with potential weekend and late-night service to meet passenger needs. It has been working to add Saturday service but needs approval from the owners of the rail tracks. CSX owns the Fredericksburg Line tracks, but the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority secured a plan to purchase the Manassas Line from Norfolk Southern. The commuter rail says it also wants to boost bi-directional service.