Two transit agencies hire new leaders

Two transit agencies recently announced new leaders and a third renewed their executive leader's contract.

Metro Transit, which serves the seven-county Twin Cities area in Minnesota, has named Lesley Kandaras the agency's next general manager, the Metropolitan Council announced last week. Kandaras is the first woman to permanently fill the position at Metro Transit. 

Kandaras has been with Metro Transit since 2019.She has served as senior manager of policy development, chief of staff and interim general manager. Kandaras began serving the Metropolitan Council in 2012, working in the communications and government affairs departments and implementing inter-divisional initiatives.

Kandaras is the right person for the job "because she recognizes how important transit is to the economic vitality, environmental sustainability and quality of life in the Twin Cities,” said Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle in a press release.

Meanwhile, Valley Metro in Phoenix hired hired Darren Curry as chief maintenance officer. Curry has more than 36 years of experience in maintenance and transit. Most recently, he worked as the assistant executive director of transit assets Metro Transit-St. Louis, where he oversaw maintenance of fleet, operating and passenger facilities, bridges, tunnels, light rail right-of-way and rail systems, and all technical support functions.

“Darren has a wealth of knowledge and experience in maintaining and managing public transit assets,” said  Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller in a press release.

Also last week, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's board approved a new contract for GCRTA Chief Executive Officer and General Manager India Birdsong Terry. The contract continues Terry’s employment as GM and CEO through Dec. 31, 2027. She has led the agency since Sept. 16, 2019.