MARTA Narrows CEO Search to Three Finalists with East Coast Transit Experience
Atlanta's transit authority, MARTA, is considering three finalists for its next CEO, all from East Coast transit systems. The candidates are Leroy Jones from Washington D.C.'s Metro, Jonathan Hunt (current interim CEO at MARTA), and Cleveland Ferguson III from the…
Atlanta, GA, August 11, 2026 —
Atlanta, GA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has identified three finalists in its search for a new Chief Executive Officer, all bringing experience from transit systems along the East Coast. The MARTA Board of Directors is scheduled to make its final decision on August 13th.
The candidates under consideration are Leroy Jones, currently serving as General Manager and CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), more commonly known as Metro. Also in the running is Jonathan Hunt, who is presently the interim CEO of MARTA. The third finalist is Cleveland Ferguson III, the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
The selection process involves a comprehensive review of each candidate’s background, with particular attention paid to their leadership experience, the operational scale and financial health of the transit systems they have led, and their track records regarding safety.
Sources indicate that comparisons are being made between the ridership numbers and annual budgets of WMATA, MARTA, and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. The safety records of these respective agencies are also a key factor in the evaluation.
In addition to the board’s assessment, input from transit advocacy groups has been sought as part of the process. These organizations often provide valuable perspectives on the needs and priorities of transit riders and the broader community.
The upcoming decision on August 13th will mark a significant step for MARTA as it seeks to appoint a permanent leader to guide the transit authority’s future operations and strategic initiatives.
Story summarized from the original created by Patrick Quinn on www.atlantanewsfirst.com, see more information here.
