MARTA CEO Parker to resign

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker yesterday announced that he will step down from his agency post to accept a new job as president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia.

Parker will move on after serving as MARTA's leader for nearly five years.

"We are deeply grateful for his stewardship and proud of the many strides we made as an agency during his tenure," said MARTA Chairman Robbie Ashe in a press release. "As chief executive, Parker helped to usher in a new day for MARTA’s customer service, fiscal responsibility, and service expansion. He leaves MARTA stronger and healthier than ever before."

Parker's final day at MARTA hasn't yet been determined, said agency spokesman Erik Burton. The agency's board will vote to approve an interim general manager at an upcoming session and launch a national search for a new permanent leader.

Since joining the agency in December 2012. Since then, Parker has worked with MARTA's board to balance the agency's budget, improve efficiencies, increase bus and rail service, and enhance the overall customer experience, according to the agency.

Once on a path to insolvency, MARTA now has more than $200 million in cash reserves.

Meanwhile, MARTA named Arthur Troupe deputy general manager. He is a former executive with HNTB Corp. and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Troupe and the interim general manager will work with Parker during his remaining tenure to provide a smooth transition at MARTA, agency officials said.