After an extensive nationwide search, Antioch, Calif.’s Tri Delta Transit selected Rashidi Barnes as its new CEO. He will assume his new role Sept. 7, and replaces long-time CEO Jeanne Krieg, who is retiring after 32 years at the agency.

Barnes started his transit career 20 years ago as the western sales manager for Transit Marketing Group, a leader in marketing and sales for transit product manufacturers. From there he became the director, procurement, for Foothill Transit, where he was responsible for insuring contract compliance and procurement of materials/supplies and professional, architectural, and engineering services. He also served as Foothill Transit’s disadvantaged enterprise liaison officer during his tenure.

His next five-and-a-half years was spent with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection), where he served as sr. manager, transportation; sr. manager, innovation and shared mobility; and director, innovation and shared mobility. Projects that he helped to deliver included the initial Clipper System implementation for CCCTA, introducing on-demand transportation service, shepherding bus on shoulder legislation and congestion mitigation options, working with the regions’ local utility provider to help launch the agency’s first electric bus. During his other roles at CCCTA, Barnes oversaw the daily operations of 160-plus bus operators, 12 supervisors, and one transit manager.

Most recently, Barnes has been working for First Transit as director, mobility-as-a-service, a national position where he worked with various transit agencies, TNC’s, payment solution companies, and micromobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Through the introduction of MaaS mobile applications, data analytics, and focus on improving the customers journeys, Barnes believes transit agencies will be able re-solidify its place in the daily transportation decisions that people make.

“We are greatly saddened by the retirement of Jeanne Krieg, who has been a strong leader for the last 32 years,” said Chair Anissa Williams. “We are extremely fortunate to be bringing Rashidi Barnes onboard, who will no doubt continue Jeanne Krieg’s strong leadership and direction, while forging his own legacy.”

CEO Jeanne Krieg will assume the title of CEO Transitional Officer until she retires officially in February after a long and distinguished career.