WASHINGTON: Port Authority of Allegheny County’s highest-paid employee is going to earn a little more. Board members Friday unanimously approved a raise for CEO Ellen McLean based on a consumer-price index adjustment included in her contract, in addition to a performance-based bump. McLean’s annual salary increases to $224,771, up from $220,709, authority records show.
When asked about McLean’s performance, Chairman Robert Hurley said board members have worked closely with the authority’s senior leadership to accomplish a host of initiatives, including implementing the transit agency’s flat fare policy and introducing reusable plastic “smart” fare cards. “A lot of things we’re looking at are really dealing with efficiency and effectiveness, so it’s more on what we’re doing to move the agency forward,” he said.
McLean joined Port Authority in 2010 and moved to her current position in February 2014 after a year as the agency’s interim CEO. Her salary started at $215,000, with the possibility of increases based on consumer price-index adjustments and, at the board’s discretion, if McLean reaches “various performances goals and objectives.” Board members formally reviewed McLean’s performance in writing and will meet with her in early August to review their evaluations, Hurley said. He called her performance review “confidential” and a “personnel matter.”
The resolution to increase McLean’s compensation did not appear on the agenda for Friday’s meeting. Hurley attributed its absence to timing and because board members needed a chance to review performance measures following the June 30 end of the authority’s fiscal year. “We’re still within a month of the closing of the fiscal year,” he said. “A 30-day turnaround is pretty good.” McLean said after the meeting that she thinks Port Authority is doing well. “It’s not about the salary — it’s about moving the agency forward, and we’re doing that,” she said. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 President Steve Palonis declined to comment. Port Authority’s next full board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23.
