Benjamin Limmer, AICP, will be departing the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to become the next CEO of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) following a unanimous vote by HART's Board of Directors. The board also authorized HART general counsel to begin contract negotiations with Limmer.
Limmer is a Michigan native who currently serves as the assistant general manager at MARTA. He serves as the primary advisor to the authority's general manager and CEO on strategic initiatives, development of expansion and service plans and monitoring of the authority's overall performance. Limmer leads a team of 200 employees in the areas of MARTA's customer service, external affairs, marketing, policy, planning and business development.
"Benjamin Limmer will bring the experience this county needs to expand service for our fast-growing area," said HART Board Chair Commissioner Lesley Miller. "Increasing mobility in our county is our basis for a prosperous and sustainable future. Today, we welcome a seasoned transit professional with more than 15 years of experience."
Before joining MARTA, Limmer held transit leadership positions at the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and the City of Atlanta, Valley Metro in Phoenix, Arizona and the Regional Transit Authority in Cleveland, Ohio.
Limmer has been the recipient of the Women's Transportation Seminar Honorable Ray LaHood "Man of the Year" Award and was recognized as one of Mass Transit Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2013.
Limmer shared his road to a transit career in that piece:
“My life’s journey into transit is personal. The majority of my elder family members were assembly line workers in the automobile industry in Michigan. I saw transportation through a different lens. During my youth, I watched the automobile industry and the built environment change rapidly. I thought to myself, ‘There has to be a better way.’ My passion to enter the transit industry was fueled by these thoughts. I chose transit as much as transit chose me. "
Limmer will replace interim CEO Jeff Seward who has been serving for well over a year since former CEO Katharine Eagan left the agency to lead the Port Authority of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh area's transit agency.
"We were impressed with his expertise, industry knowledge, and proven leadership," said HART Board Secretary Tampa Councilman Mike Suarez. "The board is confident he shares our commitment to ensuring HART is providing excellent service to its customers and will take an innovative and collaborative approach to lead the organization."
HART participated in a rigorous search process to ensure the authority found the best possible leader to take it forward. The board of directors expressed thanks to all of the candidates who were part of the process and who brought a wealth of talent for the board to consider.
