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Since Julian Burke took the chief-executive-officer reins at Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in August 1997, he’s temporarily shelved out-of-reach projects, restored financial credibility, overhauled the bus system, completed the subway’s last leg ahead of schedule and below budget, and guided the agency through a 32-day strike by its United Transportation Workers (UTU)-represented bus and rail operators.


But Jan. 8, Burke announced what may have been his most difficult MTA decision: his plan to leave the agency.


"I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that Julian Burke transformed the MTA," said Los Angeles County Sup. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke in a prepared statement. "This is a much more stable agency and one that has a much better customer focus than the MTA that existed before Julian became CEO three years ago."


Before taking over as CEO, Burke worked as a corporate turnaround specialist with Victor Palmieri Associates for more than 20 years. When he came to MTA, Burke and the board figured he’d be an interim CEO — in place long enough to help MTA solve its financial and image problems.


Burke said that working at MTA has been the most enjoyable challenge of his career and he loves the job. But it’s time to move on.


MTA’s board has selected an executive recruiting firm to conduct the search for his successor, and Burke said he’ll remain committed to the job until his replacement is found. He also offered to serve as the new CEO’s advisor for as long as the board believes is necessary.