The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) board and GM/CEO Collie Greenwood jointly announced Greenwood’s early retirement. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen was named acting GM/CEO.

Greenwood joined MARTA in July 2019 as Chief of Bus Operations and Urban Planning, advanced to Deputy General Manager of Operations in 2021, and was named GM/CEO in January 2022.

Greenwood’s Early Departure

Greenwood is a Canadian citizen and was recently notified that his Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) will be forthcoming after the expiration of his Employment Authorization Document (EAD or work permit) this summer.

Upon expiration of his work permit on June 18, and out of an abundance of caution, Greenwood ceased working, personally notified all MARTA board members and executive leadership individually, and signed a delegation of authority to Allen. 

Greenwood’s Canadian visa is valid, and he remains in the country legally, awaiting the imminent delivery of his Green Card.

Greenwood’s Legacy

Under Greenwood’s leadership, MARTA achieved the highest AAA bond rating during a difficult financial time and has advanced the most significant improvement and expansion program in its history, including the construction of the region’s first bus rapid transit line, a systemwide rail station rehabilitation project, and an entire fleet of new railcars. 

Greenwood’s innovative ideas and commitment to transit equity, sustainability, and customer service helped earn MARTA the 2024 Outstanding Public Transportation System award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

“Collie came to MARTA with a tremendous knowledge of transit and an innovative mind and has led the authority through some challenges and great successes,” said MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide. “My fellow board members and I are thankful for his leadership and wish him and his family the best.”

The board will convene a committee to begin the search for a new GM/CEO.