The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors’ GM/CEO Search Committee voted to advance interim GM/CEO Collie Greenwood as the sole finalist for the permanent position, according to agency's news release. 

State law requires a 14-day waiting period before the MARTA board can vote to confirm his selection and extend an official offer of employment. 

A nationwide search, conducted by Krauthamer & Associates, identified 11 candidates with varying backgrounds in transportation and other business sectors. The search committee, chaired by MARTA Board Chair Rita Scott, interviewed five candidates and concluded that Greenwood is the best fit, according to the agency.

A former bus operator, Greenwood rose through the ranks over 30 years to serve as chief service officer with the Toronto Transit Commission. Greenwood joined MARTA in July 2019 as chief of bus operations and urban planning. In January 2021, Greenwood was named deputy general manager of operations where he oversaw all bus and rail operations and helped develop capital projects aimed at enhancing the customer experience, the procurement of new railcars, and the addition of electric buses to MARTA’s fleet. Greenwood was named interim GM/CEO in January.

“Since arriving at MARTA, Collie has shown a tremendous knowledge of transit and capacity for leadership and innovation, while always keeping the customer front and center,” Scott said. “His rapid promotion to second-in-command demonstrated his ability to do the job well, and his steady, skilled leadership this year has further demonstrated that he is the best person to lead us as we navigate a post-pandemic world and embark on an historic enhancement and expansion program.”

The GM/CEO Search Committee will bring Greenwood’s nomination to the full MARTA Board in a specially called meeting later this month, according to MARTA.