Source: Metro honing in on candidate for general manager position

WASHINGTON - It's not a done deal, but it appears Metro's board has offered the general manager position to a candidate.

FOX 5 has learned the candidate is Neal Cohen, an executive with experience in transportation.

Those who are close to this hiring process have been careful not to speak on the record because the deal is not done.

One source told FOX 5 Cohen is a great choice for the job, but he worries the intense media coverage could harm the deal that is being worked out.

FOX 5 has learned Metro Board chairman Mort Downey traveled to Philadelphia to meet with Cohen to discuss details about the position. But a source stressed to us that the deal was still pending.

Late Thursday afternoon, a conference call with Metro board members was scheduled to discuss personnel matters.

According to online biographies, Cohen most recently worked as an executive at Orbital ATK and also was an executive for many years at Northwest Airlines and US Airways serving as chief financial officer.

If Cohen accepts the job, he will have the huge task of turning Metro around. For years, Metro has faced safety issues, chronic delays in service, and most recently, a reduction in ridership.

One source said that the board decision was not unanimous in choosing Cohen, but many think he could be a great choice because of his experience from working at the airlines.

Metro's communication team could not confirm discussions with Cohen. They simply said that once the board has made a decision, it will be announced to the public.