Biden Nominates Clegg for Amtrak Board

Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine Clegg standing outside the Boise, Idaho, Depot. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of Valley Regional Transit)

Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine M. Clegg has been nominated to be a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors by President Joe Biden, who also nominated career railroader Ronald L. Batory.

The Clegg and Batory nominations were sent May 2 to the Senate, which must confirm them. Both would hold five-year terms, with Batory replacing Christopher R. Beall and Clegg replacing Yvonne Brathwaite Burke following term expirations.

Clegg, of Idaho, has been a public servant focused on transportation and land use for more than 25 years, with more than 20 years on the Boise City Council where she has led many initiatives, including an effort to reestablish passenger rail in Idaho and the greater northwest, according to the White House.

Clegg currently runs Valley Regional Transit, which is the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties in Idaho. Services include 22 bus routes in Ada and Canyon counties; on-demand bus service in Eagle, Nampa, and Caldwell; and numerous specialized transportation options.

She has held the Chair or President position on the boards of Valley Regional Transit, COMPASS, the Association of Idaho Cities at the state level, and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure Services Committee nationally. Additionally, Clegg has led the statewide non-profit Idaho Smart Growth, serving on national non-profit boards while advocating and planning better transportation and land use policy and implementation, assisting more than 50 Idaho communities directly to improve transportation plans, networks, and programs, according to the White House. Since 1998, she has worked “to improve access and mobility across modes in the policies of the reauthorizations of the Surface Transportation Bill, including gaining support for establishing the Safe Routes to School Program and enhancing the rail portion of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” the White House noted.

“I am deeply honored to be given this opportunity by the Biden-Harris administration to join the Amtrak Board of Directors and contribute to the advancement of rail transportation in our country,” Clegg said. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure Amtrak continues to serve the needs of passengers and communities across America. It is especially exciting to have a chance to serve at this time as passenger rail is making a comeback and to represent the West as it seeks rail expansion.”

“We are thrilled to see Elaine recognized for her exceptional leadership and passion for public transit,” said Jarom Wagoner, Chair of the Valley Regional Transit Board of Directors. “Her nomination to the Amtrak Board of Directors is a testament to her innovative thinking and tireless advocacy for improving transportation options for this region.”