The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors has narrowed its search for a new president and CEO to three transit executives. The finalists are Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., Dee Leggett, and Monica Tellez-Fowler, all of whom have experience in public transportation leadership.

Challenges Ahead

The new CEO will inherit an agency reshaped by city withdrawal votes, funding concessions, and governance changes. DART has faced challenges in recent years, including a decline in ridership and concerns over the agency’s spending and governance.

One of the key issues the new CEO will need to address is the relationship between DART and its member cities. Several cities, including Plano and Irving, had considered leaving the system due to concerns over funding and governance. However, DART and regional leaders have since reached revenue-sharing and governance concessions, which have helped to alleviate some of these concerns.

The new CEO will also need to oversee the implementation of these agreements and work to improve ridership, which remains below pre-COVID levels. The agency’s finances, service levels, and relationships with its member cities will all be under scrutiny as the new CEO takes the helm.

Finalist Profiles

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. has led the Jacksonville Transportation Authority for over 13 years and has experience with bus rapid transit systems and autonomous vehicle projects. Dee Leggett, the only finalist with recent senior leadership experience inside DART, has worked as the agency’s executive vice president and chief development officer. Monica Tellez-Fowler has led the Central Ohio Transit Authority since May 2024 and has experience with federal grant processes and transit service expansion.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.