Denton County Transportation Authority taps new president

The Lewisville, Texas-based Denton County Transportation Authority Board of Directors selected Jim Cline as the Authority’s new president. Cline, who will start March 1st, was chosen following an extensive nationwide search.

Cline is well-known throughout the North Texas region having served as a director for the City of Irving since 1998. In this capacity, he has overseen the city’s water utilities, solid waste, transportation, engineering and streets functions. 

A registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas, Jim Cline has been heavily involved in the implementation of Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Orange Line including resolution of key design, construction, right-of-way and funding issues. He also worked closely with the Trinity Railway Express and the Federal Railroad Administration on crossing related issues within the city of Irving.

He has represented the city in various regional capacities including serving on the board of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and the Surface Transportation Technical Committee. Prior to joining the City of Irving, Cline worked for eight years with the City of Beaumont, Texas where he was responsible for Beaumont Municipal Transit and traffic operations.

“Jim Cline is a well regarded and respected transportation leader in North Texas. His involvement in numerous highway, transit and public works projects throughout the area illustrates his commitment to improving the quality of life for those he serves.” stated Charles Emery, DCTA Chairman of the Board. “His experience and leadership style are a perfect match for our growing agency.”

A 25-year veteran of the Texas Army National Guard, Jim Cline is currently a Lieutenant Colonel and commands the 386th Engineer Battalion.  He has completed extensive military leadership and officer’s training. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate, graduating Cum Laude from Texas A&M University where he also received his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. A Denton County resident, Jim and his wife Nancy reside in north Carrollton.

“As a resident of Denton County, I am extremely honored to serve in this capacity,” Cline stated. “With the progress DCTA has made on the A-train and its successful bus operations, the Authority has a bright future. I look forward to being a part of it.”

Cline replaces Jim Witt who has served the Authority in an interim capacity since early 2009. Under Witt’s leadership over the last year, the Authority has advanced A-train construction, expanded bus service, progressed design on a new Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in Denton, and experienced record transit ridership exceeding two million annual passengers. Witt, who retired as City Manager of Coppell in 2008, will be relocating to Kansas.