It was announced back in October by the MARTA Board of Directors that veteran transit executive Keith T. Parker was to become the next general manager and CEO of MARTA, the nation’s 9th largest transit system, starting Dec. 10, 2012. Parker signed a five-year contract that includes a $320,000 base salary with automatic, one-year renewable options. He is also eligible to receive a $25,000 annuity for each year of his contract if he remains in the post until June 30, 2017.
All eyes are certainly on Parker to hopefully improve the convenience and functionality of MARTA. “Keith Parker’s experience, political acumen and management style are an ideal fit for the unique challenges we face,” said Frederick L. Daniels, Jr. Chairman of the MARTA Board. “He has the full faith and confidence of our Board to begin the process of transforming, and re-positioning MARTA for the future.”
Until his recent resignation, Mr. Parker was President/CEO of VIA transit in San Antonio, TX where he had served since July 2009. In that post, he oversaw all aspects of the region's primary transit system including fixed-route bus, paratransit and light-rail. Prior to San Antonio, Mr. Parker was also CEO for the Charlotte Area Transit System, or CATS. Mr. Parker joined CATS in 2000 as Chief Operating Officer where he was responsible for bus and paratransit operations and helped develop light-rail plans for the transit system.
From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Parker also served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Charlotte, N.C. Previously Mr. Parker was the CEO for the Clark County Transit Authority in Vancouver, Washington and Deputy Director of the transit agency in Richmond, Virginia. He has a bachelor degree in political science, a master degree in urban and regional planning, and master of business administration. He is also a certified urban planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as MARTA’s next GM/CEO and am eager to begin working with our employees, customers, and transit stakeholders to provide efficient and effective transit service to the region,” said Mr. Parker. “As a public servant and avid transit rider, I look forward to taking MARTA to ensure we’re offering a quality transit experience and to leading an agency that is transparent and open to the people we serve.”
Click here to view Mr. Keith Parker's Contract Agreement
