The Tri Delta Transit Board of Directors has named Rashidi Barnes as the agency’s next chief executive officer following a nationwide search. Barnes will begin Sept. 7, 2022, and succeeds Jeanne Krieg, who is retiring after 32 years at the agency. Krieg’s title will change to CEO transitional officer until she retires in February.
“We are greatly saddened by the retirement of Jeanne Krieg, who has been a strong leader for the [p]ast 32 years,” said Board Chair Anissa Williams. “We are extremely fortunate to be bringing Rashidi Barnes onboard, who will no doubt continue Jeanne Krieg’s strong leadership and direction, while forging his own legacy.”
Barnes, a 2015 Mass Transit 40 Under 40 honoree, started his career 20 years ago at Transit Marketing Group before joining Foothill Transit as director of procurement where he was responsible for insuring contract compliance and procurement of materials/supplies and professional, architectural and engineering services. He also served as Foothill Transit’s Disadvantaged Enterprise Liaison Officer during his time at the authority.
Barnes then joined Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) where he served as senior manager of transportation, senior manager of innovation and shared mobility and director of innovation and shared mobility. In his five and a half years with County Connection, he helped deliver the initial Clipper System implementation, introduced on-demand transportation service, shepherded bus on shoulder legislation and congestion mitigation options and worked with the region's local utility provider to help launch the agency’s first electric bus.
Barnes' current position as director of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) at First Transit where he works with various transit agencies, transportation networking companies, payment solution companies and micromobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Barnes believes transit agencies will be able to re-solidify their place in the daily transportation decisions that people make through MaaS mobile applications, data analytics and a continued focus on improving customer’s journeys.
Tri Delta Transit also notes his proven leadership, innovative thought, decision making skills, contract administration, as well as his in-depth industry knowledge.
