MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The City of Murfreesboro has announced the promotions of Lee Smith to Director of Transportation and Russ Brashear to Director of Transit as part of an organizational realignment establishing separate Transportation and Transit departments. Both positions now report directly to Jim Kerr within the City’s organizational structure. The changes reflect Murfreesboro’s continued focus on mobility, infrastructure investment and public transportation services.
"Lee and Russ have each demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication to serving the citizens of Murfreesboro," said Darren Gore, City Manager. "As our community continues to expand its roadway network and mobility systems, these promotions position the City to strengthen both our transportation infrastructure and public transit services while ensuring each area receives the focused leadership necessary to meet future demands."
Lee Smith Named Director of Transportation
Lee Smith, a professional engineer, has been promoted from Deputy Director of Transportation and City Traffic Engineer to Director of Transportation. In his previous role with the City, he led a team of traffic engineering technicians and professionals responsible for operating and maintaining traffic control systems, traffic signalization, roadway safety initiatives and transportation programs.
According to the City, Murfreesboro’s advanced traffic signal operation is one of the top traffic control systems in Tennessee.
Smith brings nearly three decades of transportation and traffic engineering experience to the position. He has served in leadership roles with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT); WSP USA, a professional services engineering firm; the Florida Department of Transportation; and the City of Pensacola. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University.
As the new Director of Transportation, Smith will oversee transportation planning, traffic operations, roadway network management, transportation engineering and the City’s transportation capital improvement program. He will also lead efforts related to mobility planning, traffic safety, transportation infrastructure investments, development review coordination and regional transportation partnerships.
"Lee has quickly established himself as a trusted transportation leader within our organization," Gore said. "His technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative approach make him exceptionally qualified to guide Murfreesboro's transportation system through the next phase of growth and innovation."
Russ Brashear Named Director of Transit
Russ Brashear, an MTSU Aerospace Administration graduate, has been promoted from Assistant Transportation Director to serve as the City's first Director of Transit. Under the new organizational structure, Brashear will provide dedicated leadership for Murfreesboro's growing public transit system and mobility services.
Brashear brings more than two decades of public transportation experience in both public- and private-sector transit operations. Prior to joining the City of Murfreesboro in 2017, he served in leadership positions with National Express Transit Corporation in Pennsylvania, Gray Line of Tennessee and MV Transportation, a large paratransit and Flex Route system in Orlando, Florida. He also serves as Interim President of the Tennessee Public Transportation Association.
Brashear earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and has built a career focused on expanding transportation options and improving mobility for communities.
As Director of Transit, Brashear will oversee all aspects of the City's public transportation system, including service planning, operations, fleet management, facilities, grant administration, regulatory compliance, capital projects and regional transit coordination. He will continue advancing initiatives that enhance mobility and accessibility for residents throughout the community.
"Russ has been instrumental in the success and growth of Murfreesboro Transit," Gore said. "His deep knowledge of public transportation, commitment to customer service, and industry leadership make him the ideal choice to lead this newly established department."
Optimizing the Transportation and Transit Departments
The creation of separate Transportation and Transit departments reflects Murfreesboro's effort to proactively address the city's growing transportation needs. By establishing dedicated leadership in each discipline, the City is positioning itself to more effectively plan, develop and operate transportation infrastructure and transit services that support residents, businesses and visitors.
Under the new structure, the Transportation Department will focus on roadway planning, traffic operations, mobility infrastructure and transportation capital projects. The Transit Department will concentrate on public transportation operations, transit planning and mobility services.
Earlier this month, the City announced the promotion of Jim Kerr from Director of Transportation to Executive Director of Public Infrastructure, taking the place of the retiring Chris Griffith. In his new position, Kerr is overseeing the strategic planning, coordination and implementation of major infrastructure initiatives that support Murfreesboro's traffic needs and long-term quality of life.
