The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board has made a significant decision regarding its leadership by selecting a finalist for the President & CEO position. The vote, which concluded with a 9-6 outcome, took place during a board meeting on Monday night. However, DART has opted not to disclose the identity of the chosen candidate until July 21, when they plan to make a public announcement.
During the meeting, several board members expressed concerns about the timing of the vote, pointing out the insufficient opportunity to thoroughly evaluate each candidate. This apprehension led to a motion proposing a delay, which ultimately failed by a vote of 5 to 10. DART Board Chairman Randall Bryant defended the decision, stating that the vetting process had been more comprehensive than in previous searches for a CEO.
Details of the Selection Process
Three finalists had been introduced to the board last Friday: Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., the current CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority; Dee Leggett, AICP, the Director of Business Operations for Herzog Transit Services, Inc.; and Monica Tellez-Fowler, President/CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Despite the board’s selection, the exact identity of the finalist remains undisclosed.
During discussions, it was noted that multiple board members referred to the finalist using male pronouns, suggesting that Nathaniel Ford is the selected candidate, as he is the only male among the finalists.
Concerns Surrounding the Finalist
Nathaniel Ford’s record at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has been marred by controversies, including inquiries by Florida’s Office of the Inspector General regarding the use of taxpayer funds for personal travel. Reports indicate that much of Ford’s tenure has involved extensive travel, with significant expenses reported, including a $10,000 trip to Spain.
Board Members Voice Their Opinions
In a statement, DART Board Chairman Randall Bryant emphasized the importance of selecting a highly qualified leader to ensure the agency’s governance and sustainability. Other board members echoed their concerns during the meeting, with Dough Hrbacek highlighting the rushed nature of the decision. Hrbacek pointed out that one candidate was added to the finalist list only two business days before the vote, leading to numerous red flags being raised.
Background on DART’s Leadership Transition
David Leninger has been serving as the Interim President & CEO since April, following the termination of former CEO Nadine Lee’s contract due to an inability to reach a severance agreement. Lee, who held the position since 2021, chose not to extend her contract and has cited various political challenges that hindered the agency’s progress during her tenure.
These challenges included recent withdrawal elections in Addison, Highland Park, and University Park, which had significant implications for DART’s service area. Addison and University Park voted to remain with DART, while Highland Park opted to withdraw.
