First Transit today announced that following a successful 38-year career with the company, Rick Dunning plans to retire effective Dec. 31.

"In his 38 years with First Transit, Rick is known throughout public transportation as someone who has forged real, genuine connections with customers and employees,” said Brad Thomas, president of First Transit. "Rick is and has been a tremendous mentor to a number of transit executives and operators throughout our business. He will leave a legacy of hard work and a sincere appreciation that people are the most important part of the business. We wish Rick and his family all the best in retirement."

Dunning began his career with First Transit in 1980 as a GM in Laredo, Texas. He went on to hold several leadership roles across North America. In 1989, Dunning came to the First Transit headquarters in Cincinnati, taking on several roles including region VP, VP of business development, national safety manager, and sr. VP of transit management in 2010.