Transit industry veteran Stephens dies

Jack Stephens, who retired in December 2018 as executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), died June 2 of natural causes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the transit agency announced yesterday. He was 71.

Stephens — who held leadership positions in the public transportation industry for more than 30 years — joined SFRTA in 2003 as deputy executive director and became executive director in 2014 to succeed Joseph Giulietti, who departed to become the leader of MTA Metro-North Railroad. The authority operates Tri-Rail, Florida's commuter-rail system.

Prior to joining SFRTA, Stephens spent a dozen years at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, serving in several managerial positions. Before entering the public transit realm, he worked for the Orleans Parish Public Schools, the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation and the legislative staff of Georgia's
Senate and House of Representatives.

Stephens is survived by a brother and sister-in-law. Memorials may be made to the Jack L. Stephens Graduate Scholarship at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials Fort Lauderdale Chapter.