The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has appointed Dwight Ferrell as Metro’s CEO and GM effective Jan. 5, 2015.

Ferrell most recently served as the County Manager of Fulton County, Ga., where he led more than 5,000 employees in the management of activities and operations of county departments. In addition, Ferrell developed, recommended and administered the county’s state and federal legislative agenda.

Ferrell is a recognized leader in the transit industry. For four years, he served as Deputy GM and COO of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), managing day-to-day operations for the ninth largest transit system in the U.S.

Ferrell held leadership positions at some of the largest, multi-modal public transportation systems in the nation, including the Austin, Dallas, New Orleans and Philadelphia. For many years, he has been actively involved with the American Public Transportation Association, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials and Transportation Research Board. He participated in the Eno Center for Transit Leadership Executive Development Program and a graduate of Leadership Atlanta.

“We chose Dwight because of his tremendous experience in transit at some of the largest transit systems in the country. We believe he understands the importance and impact transit can have on emerging communities and economic development,” said Jason Dunn, Chair of the SORTA Board. “Dwight understands that we need the community, corporate partners and political stakeholders to be fully engaged and to do this will require relationship-building, trust, access, and leadership.”

Ferrelll holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in Management from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of SORTA, providing about 17 million rides per year.