An Atlanta-based transit executive with more than 25-years experience in the field was chosen by the Board of Directors Monday as Long Beach Transit’s new President and CEO. Kenneth McDonald will take over for outgoing president Larry Jackson, who is retiring this summer after 38 years with LBT.
Currently the Assistant Vice President of Transit and Rail Systems at infrastructure firm Parsons Brinckerhoff International, McDonald has previously overseen San Francisco’s Metropolitan Transit Authority and Atlanta’s Rapid Transit Authority. At RTA, where he spent the majority of his career, McDonald worked his way up over the years to Assistant General Manager of Operations, eventually overseing all bus, rail and paratransit services for the Authority.
“I am excited to come to Long Beach Transit, an agency that has a positive reputation in both the transit industry and within the community,” said McDonald in a statement. “It is my goal to focus on employees, finances, transit services for our customers and our quality of service, while concentrating on the things customers understand and expect–on-time performance, clean vehicles, courteous and helpful employees and clear, reliable communication at all times.”
The Board’s unanimous vote for McDonald’s appointment ends a nationwide search that began last August when Jackson announced his retirement. The search was helmed by board member and chair of the Selection Committee, Freda Hinsche Otto.
According to the Long Beach Business Journal, the job comes with a five-year contract proposal that offers a base annual salary of $252,000 as well as fringe benefits.
“[McDonald’s appointment is a] singular point in the ongoing development of this transit system as it moves purposely into the 21st century as a vital force for mobility and environmental sustainability,” said LBT Board Chair Barbara Sullivan George. “We are delighted to have Kenneth McDonald on board as we continue our quest for a better transportation future.”
McDonald will relocate from Georgia and begin his position with LBT on August 1.