Metro hires firm for GM search

Metro has hired the Heidrick & Struggles executive search firm to conduct a search for its next permanent general manager.

The transit agency's board of directors awarded the contract during Thursday's meeting.

According to its Web site, Heidrick and Struggles was founded in 1953 and has offices around the world. Metro said the company has conducted searches for chief executives to lead the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Red Cross and Howard University.

Metro officials said in a statement that the search for a general manager to replace John B. Catoe Jr., who left the agency April 2, would be international in scope and would include professionals in the transit industry and beyond.

The goal is to select a new general manager within six months, the statement said.

The board approved expenses of up to $150,000 for the search.

Richard Sarles, the former chief of New Jersey Transit, is Metro's interim general manager. Sarles, who retired in January, has said he isn't interested in the permanent job.