Top 40 Under 40 2014: David Cangany

Sept. 22, 2014
David Cangany, General Manager, South Bend Public Transportation Corp. (Transpo)/Veolia Transportation

Cangany started his professional career in public transportation as a bus operator while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. After graduating from IU, he joined First Transit in its management training program with Connecticut Transit. While with Connecticut Transit, he gained valuable experience to further his transit career.

In 2008, Cangany joined Indianapolis Public Transportation Corp. (IndyGo) as transportation supervisor where he was responsible for overseeing service delivery, including the management of 300 operators. During his 3-year tenure with IndyGo, he was also involved with the Trapeze software integration for paratransit service.

Cangany joined Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA)/Metro as a station manager before moving into the newly created role of performance manager where he was responsible for two operating divisions, including 475 operators and 348 vehicles.

Cangany’s responsibilities included managing the grievance process, key performance indicator analysis and trending, oversight of a peer benchmarking / best practices and revising operational procedures to reduce overtime and improve employee attendance. He was also instrumental in the operational planning for the World Choir games.

As general manager with South Bend Public Transportation Corp. (Transpo), Cangany has direct oversight of the entire transit operation, including 120 employees and 60 vehicles. In his first year with Transpo, he evaluated and restructured the operations and marketing departments to improve efficiency and service delivery, implemented key performance indicators and established organizational goals, developed key stakeholder and community relationships in order to improve the perception of public transit in the community.

Cangany’s commitment to the industry is evidenced through his involvement in the Indiana Transportation Association (ITA) where he serves as first vice president. He has also lead Transpo’s involvement in the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) as a member of the Bus & Paratransit CEO Committee, Legislative Committee, Small Operations Committee and as speaker and panelist at APTA conferences and events.

Cangany’s experience and innovative thinking has transformed Transpo and positioned the organization for growth. Under his leadership, Transpo will see the arrival of the first new buses in 11 years that will utilize compressed natural gas (CNG) as Transpo begins to replace the fixed-route fleet later this year. Transpo has also partnered with the city of South Bend to build a fast-fuel CNG station on Transpo’s property, demonstrating the vital impact public transportation has on economic development in the local community. Transpo’s leadership in the project provides the necessary resources for other local and regional fleets to explore CNG.

Cangany has also participated in numerous professional and leadership development opportunities throughout his career, including Leadership Northern Kentucky, Class of 2012; Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka, Class of 2014; St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce; Young Professionals Network; Crime Stoppers Board of Directors; and Rotary Club of South Bend.

“I’m passionate about the public transit industry because I believe it is the center of communities and an economic engine connecting people to employment, healthcare, education, recreational and entertainment opportunities. I feel have a unique industry perspective since I started my transit career as a bus operator while attending Indiana University. I’ve been able to build a strong foundation to positively impact the organizations I represent.” 

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Top40 2014 542179bdf2d22
Top40 2014 542179bdf2d22
Top40 2014 542179bdf2d22
Top40 2014 542179bdf2d22
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