MARTA GM/CEO Named One of Georgia Trend’s Most Influential

MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker, AICP has received Georgia Trend’s distinction as one of its most influential and powerful leaders in Georgia for 2017. Each year, the magazine recognizes Georgians, both Public and Private professionals, making an indelible impact on all of Georgia.

A native of Petersburg, Va., Parker has led the nation’s ninth largest transit agency since 2012. Parker’s uncompromising vision has changed the perception of MARTA and elevated its role as major regional stakeholder in the minds of key decision makers. He also helmed transit agencies in San Antonio, Texas and Charlotte, N.C. During his tenure, these agencies enjoyed increased ridership and won numerous local, state, and national awards in key areas such as safety, maintenance, environmental innovations and overall excellence.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Georgia Trend for what is truly a collaborative effort at MARTA," MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker said. "The unwavering support of the MARTA Board of Directors and hard work of MARTA staff—has been at the core of MARTA’s expanded growth and our success in helping to transform the region.” 

Parker’s most recent accomplishments at MARTA include passage of the half-cent sales tax referendum in the City of Atlanta that will generate approximately $2.5 billion (in 2016) dollars over the next 40 years; breaking ground on two Transit Oriented Developments—at the Edgewood/Candler Park and Avondale stations; purchasing new buses that will make MARTA’s one of the newest fleets in the nation; and receiving bond ratings upgrades from Wall Street.

“Keith Parker and his thoughtful, deliberate leadership are widely respected here in Georgia and nationally,” said MARTA Board Chairman Robbie Ashe. “His efforts have brought MARTA unprecedented levels of advancement and goodwill.”

In addition to MARTA’s triumphs, Parker recently announced plans for the More MARTA LINK Southwest, a proposed transit project that will provide enhanced connectivity for residents in southwest Atlanta to Five Points Station, the Authority’s connecting point for all rail lines.

Actively engaged in civic and charitable organizations, Parker is no stranger to professional achievement. He received recognition as Outstanding Public Transportation Manager by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in October 2015. His innate ability to transform agency efficiencies, implement cost savings, and promote a culture of innovation in diverse environments, led Parker to being named as one of the 20 Most Influential People of the Decade by Metro Magazine.

In November 2016, he was chosen as one of eight “Public Officials of the Year” by Governing magazine. In December, Ashe and the MARTA Board of Directors unanimously approved the extension of Parker’s contract through 2021 in recognition of MARTA’s turnaround under his tenure.

For more information about MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com. 

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