Edward W. Oliphant was named interim CEO of the Nashville MTA and Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) effective April 1, 2014. He replaces Paul J. Ballard who will be heading up the Fort Worth Transportation Authority as president/CEO.

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Oliphant currently serves as chief financial officer of the MTA and RTA. Prior to his appointment as CFO in October 2002, Oliphant was the director of finance at Private Business Inc. in Brentwood, Tenn.

He is a certified public accountant and has more than 30 years of professional experience in accounting and finance. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a major in accounting
from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, graduating with high honors.

Last fall, Oliphant won the Nashville Business Journal CFO of the Year award in the non-profit category. He was one of four finalists in the category, which was selected by an independent panel of judges from out of state. It was the fifth time the Nashville Business Journal has recognized financial professionals in Middle Tennessee.

"I appreciate the confidence the MTA Board has in me to lead MTA while we search for a new CEO,” Oliphant said. “It has been an honor to work with Paul (Ballard) who is leaving us in excellent shape. I am looking forward to continuing to move us forward as we work to provide more transit options for our citizens and visitors."

Oliphant will serve in the interim role until a new CEO is hired later this year. The MTA board of directors has initiated a national search to replace Ballard whose last day at the authority will be March 31.