Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe was selected today to be the next Chair of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, effective July 1, 2010. Outgoing Metro Chair and Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian entered a motion, which was unanimously approved by the Board, nominating Supervisor Knabe as the next Chair.

“As Chair of the MTA, I will promote a balanced transportation plan that equitably benefits residents in all parts of Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Our efforts must also include accelerating upgrades to our highways and improving our existing mass transit system.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was nominated to serve as the Board’s First Vice Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich will serve as Second Vice Chair.