METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at the DART, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

ABC Names Walsh Chief Commercial Officer

ABC Companies announced the appointment of John Walsh as chief commercial officer, in a move they said will strengthen the company’s executive leadership team as it continues to advance its growth strategy, customer relationships, and market presence.

Walsh brings more than three decades of leadership experience across the transportation, transit, commercial vehicle, and bus industries. Throughout his career, he has led commercial growth, business transformation, and market expansion initiatives for some of the industry’s most recognized organizations.

As chief commercial officer, Walsh will lead ABC’s commercial strategy, overseeing vehicle sales, business development, customer engagement, and strategic partnerships. In this role, he will focus on strengthening ABC’s market position, accelerating growth initiatives and ensuring the company continues to deliver exceptional value to customers and partners.

Before joining ABC, Walsh held several executive leadership roles, including chief commercial officer at Proterra, where he helped drive significant growth in electric transit solutions; president of EO Charging Americas; and president of REV Bus Group, where he oversaw multiple brands serving the transit, school bus, mobility, and commercial transportation markets.

 Walsh has also held leadership positions at Davey Coach Sales, National Bus Sales & Leasing, and other organizations that have played an important role in the evolution of the bus and commercial transportation industry.

ABC officials said his appointment reflects the company’s continued commitment to sustainable growth while maintaining the high standards of service, customer support, and operational excellence that have defined the organization for more than five decades.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Names New Chief Audit Officer

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) announced Mamatha Sparks as the agency's new chief audit officer. Reporting directly to the DART board, Sparks brings more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, government auditing, and risk management.

She will lead DART’s efforts to modernize and bring transparency to the agency by guiding audit processes and creating effective departmental strategies.  

Sparks previously worked at the City of Dallas Office of the city auditor where she oversaw complex audits involving information technology, procurement and contract administration, public safety, and revenue as she advanced through progressively responsible leadership roles. Ever the innovator in her field, Sparks has led complex performance audits and process improvements, while consistently delivering impactful results.

Sparks replaces previous chief audit officer Chris Koloc, who worked at DART for nearly 20 years before retiring earlier this year. 

Denver RTD Taps New Chief Communications, Engagement Officer

Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) named Candace Smith as its chief communications and engagement officer (CCEO), effective September 8. 

Smith, an award-winning communications executive, most recently served as senior associate vice chancellor for public affairs and strategic communications at the University of Colorado Boulder. In this role, she oversaw media relations, crisis and issues management, executive and strategic communications, and editorial strategy, while advising university leadership on reputation, stakeholder engagement, and complex communications challenges.

With more than 25 years of experience spanning higher education, public transportation, and journalism, Smith has built and led high-performing communications teams, developed integrated reputation and marketing strategies, and served as a trusted adviser to senior leaders navigating both opportunities and crises. Her career has included leadership roles at the University of Colorado Boulder, George Washington University, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, as well as a journalism career in Washington, D.C., and New York.

In her role as CCEO, Smith will oversee the Communications and Engagement Department, which encompasses community engagement, public and media relations, marketing, and customer care functions.

STV Appoints Naja to Advisory Board

STV announced that Khaled Naja, PE, has joined the firm’s advisory board. Naja brings decades of leadership advising executive teams and boards on the strategic decisions that shape complex infrastructure investments and long-term organizational performance.

Naja currently serves as CEO of Core Group Partners, where he supports global infrastructure, transportation, and capital development strategies. Throughout his career, he has served in executive leadership roles across the public and private sectors, including CEO of Cruise Terminals International, COO of the Chicago Department of Aviation, and executive vice president of Dallas Fort-Worth International, helping organizations navigate some of the industry’s most significant infrastructure investments and transformational initiatives.

 In addition to his executive roles, Naja has held leadership positions with the Construction Management Association of America, including national board chair, and was inducted into the National Academy of Construction. Naja has earned a reputation for bringing clarity to complex decisions involving capital investment, long-term infrastructure strategy, and organizational priorities. His ability to connect strategy with execution has helped organizations address some of their most consequential challenges.