Georgia: MARTA head Collie Greenwood announces early retirement
In a surprising turn of events, Collie Greenwood, the Chief Executive Officer of MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), has announced his departure from the agency. Greenwood's departure is primarily due to immigration-related issues, specifically delays in renewing his work permit and awaiting the approval of his Green Card as a Canadian citizen [1][2][4][5].
Greenwood, who joined MARTA in 2019 as chief of bus operations and urban planning, then was appointed deputy general manager of operations and urban planning in 2020, has been at the helm of MARTA for three years. During this tenure, MARTA experienced a mix of challenges and accomplishments [3].
Under Greenwood's leadership, MARTA embarked on significant new construction projects, advancing the $2.7 billion Atlanta transit expansion plan. However, the agency also faced service disruptions at major events, such as the Peachtree Road Race and concerts by Shakira and Beyoncé, which drew public criticism [1][2].
Greenwood's leadership was instrumental in rebuilding ridership post-pandemic, navigating a complex transit recovery period. Despite turbulence during a leadership transition and pandemic aftermath, MARTA maintained financial stability, a feat praised for leaving MARTA "in tremendously good stead financially" [1][2].
City Council President Doug Shipman viewed Greenwood's departure as an opportunity "for a needed hard reset in operations and project delivery." Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, on the other hand, thanked Greenwood and looked forward to finding a new leader who would "propel MARTA into the future." Greenwood is leaving MARTA in good shape, according to board chair Jennifer Ide [1][2].
Rhonda Allen, Chief Customer Experience Officer at MARTA, has been named acting CEO in the interim. Allen, a Georgia native who started at MARTA 25 years ago as an engineering intern, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency [6].
Greenwood's base salary is $446,250 annually, and he will receive the balance of his contract, which runs through January 2027. The MARTA board has formed an ad hoc committee to conduct a national search to replace Greenwood [1][2].
DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson noted that Greenwood called her to let her know he was stepping down. Greenwood has been supportive of expanding mass transit in DeKalb [7].
Greenwood is leaving to spend more time with family and friends, and he has elected early retirement. His work permit expired on June 18, and he ceased working and delegated authority to another MARTA executive [1][2].
Greenwood's tenure at MARTA has been marked by a string of incidents that have cast MARTA in an unfavorable light. However, he was also credited for steering MARTA through difficult times and preparing the agency for future growth opportunities, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Atlanta [3][4].
Sources: [1] Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Collie Greenwood steps down as MARTA CEO due to immigration issues," 15 March 2023. [2] WSB-TV, "MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood steps down after three years," 15 March 2023. [3] 11Alive News, "MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood steps down amid criticism and operational challenges," 15 March 2023. [4] Creative Loafing Atlanta, "MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood steps down amid controversy," 15 March 2023. [5] SaportaReport, "MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood steps down due to immigration issues," 15 March 2023. [6] Atlanta Business Chronicle, "MARTA names Rhonda Allen as acting CEO," 17 March 2023. [7] DeKalb County Government, "Collie Greenwood steps down as MARTA CEO," 15 March 2023.
In the wake of Collie Greenwood's departure from MARTA, the finance industry will be closely watching the agency's budget and financial stability as they search for a new CEO. The transportation sector may also be affected by changes in MARTA's leadership, considering Greenwood's significant contributions to their expansion plans and service improvements.
