Multi-modal mobility solutions provider, Transdev, has named Mike Setzer president of the Transit business unit for Transdev North America, overseeing contracts in bus and paratransit in 200 cities, communities, airports, and universities.

Setzer most recently served as CEO of the company’s Nassau County, N.Y., operation since 2012, the largest contracted transit system in the U.S. There, Setzer and his team were responsible for improving service operations, implementing new headway managed routes on high-capacity corridors and achieving productive relationships with labor unions, employees and clients.

Setzer is well-known in the transit industry and widely respected. He previously served as CEO of three other major transit authorities in Cincinnati, (SORTA), St. Louis, (Metro) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (Metro Transit). He operated Cincinnati and Minneapolis as part of Professional Transit Management, (PTM) which Transdev acquired in 2008. Setzer was also a co-founder and partner of PTM.

Setzer’s career highlights include, successfully reversing budget deficits in his four CEO roles and building relationships based on trust and transparency with multiple stakeholders. He led the Hiawatha light-rail launch in Minneapolis, a $715 million project, which he and his team delivered early and within budget, and later extended. He also managed several major bus-related capital projects.

“This promotion is a reflection of Mike’s passion, knowledge and investment in public transit throughout an impressive career,” said Yann Leriche, CEO of Transdev North America. “He will be a key leader as we move forward into this new era of mobility with our clients and will work to support them in implementing solutions to address rising passenger expectations.”