Current SMART Manager, former RTCC Director, and longtime area politician and statesman John Hertel has been selected as the first CEO of the RTA.
While final negotiations have not taken place and a start date has not yet been selected, the Regional Transit Authority board voted at its August meeting to offer the position to John Hertel.
Mr. Hertel has dedicated the last seven years of his long and impressive career to improving regional transit. He led the Regional Transit Coordinating Council in developing a regional transit plan that got unanimous support from the tri-county city and Detroit executives. He has directed SMART’s bus service through tough budget times and helped ensure overwhelming renewal of SMART’s millage by area voters.
However, he has had a rocky relationship with DDOT and Detroit leaders, may struggle to overcome SMART bias, and has limited experience with effective public engagement.
But with a strong board, active Citizens’ Advisory Council, and sustained public involvement, he will be a strong leader for the RTA in these first crucial years.