Friday, the DART Board of Directors voted on three finalists for the role and then opened up the discussion today to include members of the general public. The candidates come from a variety of transit backgrounds, each with extensive public service and experience.  

The finalists are:  

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., Chief Executive Officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) 

Dee Leggett, AICP, Director of Business Operations, Herzog Transit Services, Inc. (HTSI) and former DART EVP & Chief Development Officer 

Monica Tellez-Fowler, President/ CEO, Central Ohio Transit Authority  

“We are confident these three candidates represent the best public transportation leaders from across the country,” said DART Board Chair Randall Bryant. “The Board has a monumental task ahead of us to select our next President & CEO from this finalist panel. As part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement, we’re asking the public for feedback from our meet & greet on Saturday to inform the final decision.” 

The public had an opportunity to hear the qualifications of each candidate as each spoke before a packed board room at the DART headquarters.  

First to speak was Ms. Tellez-Fowler who described her previous service at Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) and the launch of their A-Train service, how she participated in the development of TEXRail at Trinity Metro in Fort Worth and her current position of President/CEO of Central Ohio Transit Authority in the Columbus region, that has a service area of some 1.2 million residents. Tellez-Fowler touched on the importance of micro-transit and how it can play an important part in overall plans. 

Riding the Green Line train to the public gathering, Ms. Leggett described her previous executive level work at DCTA and the numerous projects she has worked on during her 25 years in public transportation, including the last four years at DART as former DART EVP & Chief Development Officer. "This has given me an unique understanding of how DART operates, an appreciation for the great employees that make us successful, the communities it serves and the relationships that will define its future. That's why I know I can lead this organization from day 1," according to Leggett.

Nathaniel Ford has served nearly four decades in public transportation entities around the country including Atlanta, San Francisco, New York and now in Jacksonville, Florida as CEO of their transportation authority. "Those cities can't move without having a robust public transportation system for their citizens. It impacts economic development, access to affordable housing, healthcare, education. I've always looked at my position not as one of checking boxes and focusing on finances and budget but what am I doing to take it one step further, to improve the quality of life in that city," according to Ford. 

The onboarding schedule for the new President & CEO is dynamic based on who is selected and the outcome of negotiations. Current Interim President & CEO David Leininger will continue to oversee the agency while the transition takes place.

Photo credit: Texas Rail Advocates

Nathaniel Ford, Dee Leggett, Monica Tellez-Fowler left to right