General Manager Fred Hansen

Long before General Manager Fred Hansen joined TriMet in October 1998, he was an avid public transit user and advocate. In fact, during his tenure as deputy administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington D.C. (the number two person appointed by the President with protecting the nation’s environment), Hansen left his car in Oregon and relied on transit. Today, he rides the bus to and from work and meetings whenever possible.

Hansen’s interest in transit and TriMet was sparked by his passion for environmental issues and smart public policy. Making a career in public service, Hansen directed the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for more than 10 years before heading to the EPA. He also served as Oregon’s deputy state treasurer, executive officer of the Peace Corps and as chief of staff to a Member of Congress from Oregon.

As an active member in his community and profession, Hansen serves on numerous boards and task forces, including Providence Health System Governing Council — Portland Service Area (incoming Chair), Portland Workplace Diversity Task Force, Pioneer Court House Square, Portland Streetcar, Inc., and WestStart/CALSTART (Vice Chair).

A native of Beaverton, Oregon, Hansen attended Sunset High School, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oregon, earned a master’s degree from McMaster University and completed a year of doctoral work at the Johns Hopkins University.