After a lengthy search, David J. Armijo has been appointed as the new GM for Oakland, Calif.-based AC Transit by the agency’s board of directors.

The board conducted an extensive search for a permanent GM to replace the retiring Mary King, who led the transit district since October 2009. She was unanimously praised by the AC Transit Board for her dynamic leadership during a period of financial crises at the national and state level that dramatically impacted funding for public agencies such as AC Transit.

Originally, Armijo headed the search firm hired to find a permanent general manager, but after extensive interviews and several candidates unwilling to accept reduced pension packages, the board each submitted names of possible candidates and Armijo’s name was submitted by board members.

Armijo will begin his tenure as GM on March 1, 2012.