What's it like being the CEO of a transit agency? Paul Comfort asked a panel of five CEOs who've been on the job for about a year what it's been like, what's surprised them the most, and why they love working in transit.

Listen to this lively and engaging panel featuring Coree Cuff Lonergan, GM of Broward County Transit, Dave Dech, Executive Dir of Tri-Rail, Dottie Watkins, CEO of CapMetro, Frank White III, CEO of KCATA, and Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of LYNX where they candidly share their experiences, surprises, and insights about leading a transit agency.

They discuss how their work impacts the lives of their customers and what it means to them personally. They touch on all the things CEOs have to think about, plus some things you might not have thought about. It's a fascinating roundtable that showcases the passion and dedication of these transit leaders.

Also on the show in Elea Carey's Marketing Minute, Elea gives you practical tips for improving internal communications at your agency.

Next week is our sixth anniversary and the start of season seven! We kick off season 7 episode 1 (and our 278th episode) with Randy Clarke, CEO of WMATA. Randy talks about his first year on the job, what's gone well, what hasn't, and what a looming fiscal cliff means for his agency, his people, and riders.

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

00:00 APTA CEO Roundtable Stories from New CEOs

00:00 Making an impact on people's lives

00:45 About this episode from your host Paul Comfort

01:33 Discussion with five new Transit CEOs recorded live at APTA TRANSform Conference and EXPO

32:41 Marketing Minute with Elea Carey

35:05 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

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Season 6 : Episode 52

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Copyright: Modaxo 2025

The surprising things about being a public transit CEO in 2023

Transit Unplugged

The surprising things about being a public transit CEO in 2023