The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced the three finalists for the position of CEO.
RELATED:Ann Arbor transit official urged MDOT not to lease railcars
Ann Arbor transit selects 3 candidates for top post
The three finalists include Matt Carpenter, Andrew Johnson and Marty Sennett.
March 6, 2015
Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority
2 min to read
The three finalists include Matt Carpenter, Andrew Johnson and Marty Sennett.
Carpenter has over 15 years of professional experience in the transit industry, including eight as the successful CEO of Strathcona County Transit in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Previously, he worked for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments in Detroit. He has a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.
Johnson is the GM of Connect Transit in Bloomington-Normal, Ill. Since he began his tenure in 2011, Connect Transit has grown its ridership by 40%, ramped up public engagement in transit planning, increased transparency of operations, strengthened partnerships with Illinois State University and local businesses, and implemented new technologies to improve system efficiency and customer experience.
Sennett has served as the GM for the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corp. also known as “CityBus” for over thirty years. As the second-longest continuous serving General Manager in the nation, Sennett has helped to transformed a small 22 bus transit system into the second largest transit system in Indiana in terms of the number of annual rides. CityBus serves both Lafayette, West Lafayette and Purdue University.
The CEO search process began in November, 2014, with the help of Harris Rand Lusk (HRL), an executive search firm that specializes in the public transportation field. HRL screened the initial applicants and recommended 14 candidates for consideration by the CEO Search Committee. The Committee, consisting of eight members (four agency Board members and four agency staff members), is headed by AAATA Board Chair Charles Griffith.
“After a thorough national search that resulted in more than 70 applicants, we’re pleased to have found three well-qualified candidates who all have leadership experience in the public transportation industry,” said TheRide Board Chair Charles Griffith. “We’re thankful for the input we’ve received from the public throughout the process, and look forward to providing an opportunity for people to meet the three finalists as we progress towards hiring our new CEO. With more than 6.6 million annual rides provided and as we continue implementing a 44% increase in service within the next four years, we are focused on selecting a new CEO who will lead the organization in improving public transportation connections throughout the Urban Core of Washtenaw County.”
More Management
Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
Read More →
NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
Read More →
APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
Read More →
Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
Read More →
ENC Names New VP of Transit Sales
John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.
Read More →
New 2026 Plan Aims to Expand Transportation Access Across Virginia
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
Read More →
Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation Nationwide
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Wraps Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program,
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
Read More →
WMATA Expands U-Pass Program
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.
Read More →