The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) enters 2019 with a strong, restructured executive team as it prepares for a year of unprecedented growth and service expansion.

MARTA GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker added three members to his leadership roster: Chief of Capital Programs, Expansion, and Innovation Frank Rucker; Chief Administrative Officer Luz Borrero; and Chief of Rail Operations David Springstead.

“My goal has always been to be purposeful about building a leadership team with the right experience to improve operations and expand MARTA’s footprint,” said Parker. “Ultimately, everyone in our organization must be fully committed to improving the overall customer experience and we now have the right people in place working with me to accomplish that.”

Rucker, a professional engineer, worked on the multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and brings almost 40 years of experience to MARTA as the authority begins to implement its largest expansion in decades. The $2.7 billion “More MARTA Atlanta” program, approved in October 2018, marks the beginning of historic mobility improvements and transit infrastructure enhancements citywide.

After serving as deputy chief operating officer for DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta, Borrero brings a wealth of knowledge on two of the MARTA’s most densely populated service areas, as well as experience in financial and executive management.

A member of the MARTA family for more than 20 years, Springstead will transition from his role as the head of Capital Programs to overseeing the daily operation and maintenance of MARTA’s heavy and light rail systems.

MARTA Chief of System Safety, Security, and Emergency Management/Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham was also recently elevated to the executive team, with expanded areas of responsibility including the Department of Safety and Quality Assurance and the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer in addition to her responsibility for Police and Emergency Management.

Melissa Mullinax, most recently with the City of Atlanta, joined MARTA in July as chief of staff, leading the departments of External Affairs and Transit-Oriented Development, among others. Since then, the authority has also deepened its talent pool with the recent hiring of Asst. GM, External Affairs, Virgil Fludd; Sr. Director, Government & Community Affairs, Colleen Kiernan; and Sr. Director, Transit-Oriented Development and Real Estate, Jacob Vallo.