Hartnett named CEO of San Mateo County Transit District

Jim Hartnett will take the reins of the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), district officials announced Wednesday.

A search committee unanimously named him general manager and CEO of the district, which comprises Caltrain, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, as well as the SamTrans bus and paratransit services.

The former vice chair of the California High Speed Rail Authority, Hartnett will start his new duties March 30. Hartnett also served as mayor and vice mayor of Redwood City during his 15 years of service on the city's council.

"Jim has the skills and experience we need right now for this job," said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Gee, who chaired the SamTrans search committee. "Leading this multi-agency organization requires more than knowledge about transit and transportation, it requires an individual who understands how to strengthen and maintain the relationships and partnerships essential for success."

Chosen after a six-month search, Hartnett will succeed Michael Scanlon, who announced in August 2014 that he would retire after running the organization for 15 years.