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MARTA Announces New Executive Appointments

MARTA transit system in Atlanta filled with commuters

News Summary

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has appointed three new executives: Steven Parker as Chief of Staff, LaShanda Dawkins as Chief Administrative Officer, and Jonathan Hunt as Chief Legal Counsel. These appointments aim to enhance MARTA’s leadership and operational capacity, ultimately aiming for better service to the Atlanta community. With extensive backgrounds in law, human resources, and community affairs, the new appointees bring decades of experience to their roles.

Recent Executive Appointments at MARTA in Atlanta

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has made significant strides in its leadership with the announcement of permanent appointments for three key executive positions. The new appointees include Steven Parker as the Chief of Staff, LaShanda Dawkins as the Chief Administrative Officer, and Jonathan Hunt as the Chief Legal Counsel.

Steven Parker: Chief of Staff

With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in community, legislative, legal, and policy development, Steven Parker takes on a pivotal role as MARTA’s Chief of Staff. In this position, he will serve as a principal advisor to the General Manager and CEO, Collie Greenwood, with a sharp focus on strategic planning and decision-making.

Parker’s responsibilities include overseeing cross-agency functions and identifying improvement areas within the organization. He will manage the Department of External Affairs, which encompasses areas such as government affairs, public engagement, communications, and marketing. His background includes notable positions, such as deputy state director for U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Senior City Attorney for the City of Atlanta. Parker holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from North Carolina Central University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University Northridge.

LaShanda Dawkins: Chief Administrative Officer

LaShanda Dawkins brings over 25 years of experience in legal and human resource management to her role as Chief Administrative Officer. Dawkins will collaborate closely with MARTA’s leadership to ensure alignment with organizational policies and directives. Her jurisdiction will cover essential support services, including human resources, labor relations, and diversity initiatives.

Dawkins has been a part of the MARTA team since 2006, having recently served in the capacity of interim Chief Administrative Officer. Before that, she was the Assistant General Manager of Labor and Employee Relations. She holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Prairie View A&M University.

Jonathan Hunt: Chief Legal Counsel

Jonathan Hunt joins MARTA as Chief Legal Counsel, providing expertise on legal matters encompassing litigation, regulatory compliance, intergovernmental relations, and real estate. He leads a team of in-house attorneys and oversees critical areas like the Office of Risk Management and Contracts, Procurement, and Materials.

With over 24 years of legal experience, Hunt’s career includes a range of positions at MARTA, such as Senior Director of Corporate Law and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. Prior to his legal work, he was employed as an engineer with Gilbane Co. He earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science from Hampton University.

These appointments reflect MARTA’s commitment to enhancing its leadership and operational capacity, bolstering its ability to serve the Atlanta community efficiently.