Long Beach Transit voted to appoint Kenneth McDonald, a veteran transit executive at major transit systems across the nation, as the agency's new president/CEO, effective August 1, 2013.

McDonald brings over 25 years of transit experience, currently serving as the Assistant VP, transit and rail systems, with Parsons Brinckerhoff International, where he oversees transit programs and projects throughout the U.S. and Canada. He also served as the Chief Operating Officer of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

Prior to that, McDonald spent 20 years with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority in Atlanta in a succession of increasingly responsible roles culminating to Assistant GM of Operations where he oversaw the Authority’s bus, rail and paratransit services.

McDonald holds both a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Technology Management from the Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga.

McDonald’s appointment is the result of a nationwide executive search that began in August 2012, following Laurence W. Jackson’s announcement to retire after 38 years of service with Long Beach Transit. The search was led by Long Beach Transit Board Member and Chair of the Selection Committee, Freda Hinsche Otto.

“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. “I look forward to working with the great team of employees who have made Long Beach Transit the progressive organization it is today. 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. Together we will build on the past success of the organization and move forward to great achievements in the coming years.” McDonald and his family look forward to relocating and residing in Long Beach.

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