Akron's Metro names new CEO finalists
The agency is interviewing the finalists this week and hopes to choose its next leader by Sept. 1.

The Metro Regional Transit Authority is interviewing the finalists this week and hopes to choose its next leader by Sept. 1.
Akron Metro

AKRON, Ohio — The Metro Regional Transit Authority narrowed its search for its next executive director to four candidates, including three with direct ties to the agency, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
The finalists are:
Kirt Conrad, CEO and secretary/treasurer at the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority in Canton. Before taking the top job in Stark County, he served as director of planning and development at Metro RTA.
Dawn Distler, director of transit at Knoxville Area Transit in Knoxville, Tenn. She began her public transportation career at Metro RTA as a driver, and later served as an operations manager and assistant director of customer services.
Jarrod Hampshire, director of maintenance at Metro RTA. He has been at the agency since December 2015, and previously worked as equipment manager at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority in Cleveland.
John Jones, transit director of Charlottesville Area Transit in Charlottesville, Va. He previously worked as transit director for Medina County Public Transit from 1998 to 2004.
The agency is interviewing the finalists this week and hopes to choose its next leader by Sept. 1. For the full story, click here.
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