Mass Transportation Authority Executive and Leadership Team

Edgar Benning, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer at Mass Transportation Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for public transit services across the Flint region. Benning architects long-term operational frameworks that prioritize passenger safety and accessibility for elderly residents and individuals with mobility challenges. By managing the zero-tolerance policy against threats to drivers, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer ensures a secure environment for the entire workforce. Edgar Benning maintains direct oversight of the organizational mission, aligning daily transit activities with the broader goal of providing reliable transportation to medical facilities and grocery stores. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to expand regional bus routes and specialized para-transit offerings. This leadership role drives the continuous improvement of service standards, ultimately fostering community trust and enhancing the quality of life for all passengers utilizing the transit network.

Kenneth Vavra, the Chief Financial Officer at Mass Transportation Authority, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations required to sustain regional bus routes and specialized transit programs. Vavra oversees the financial planning processes that support the maintenance of the trolley service in Fenton and the expansion of senior shopper initiatives. By monitoring revenue streams and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term viability of services for individuals with disabilities. Kenneth Vavra collaborates with executive leadership to optimize resource distribution, directly impacting the efficiency of medical and grocery transportation services. This role involves rigorous financial reporting and compliance oversight to maintain transparency with public stakeholders. Through strategic capital management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the funding necessary for fleet upgrades and infrastructure improvements. Vavra maintains a focus on cost-effective service delivery, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the accessibility and reliability of the transit network for the Flint community.

Roderick Evans, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Mass Transportation Authority, integrates advanced digital systems into the daily management of public transit operations. Evans architects the technological infrastructure that supports real-time tracking and scheduling for regional bus routes. By modernizing the communication platforms used across the fleet, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer enhances service reliability for passengers traveling to medical facilities. Roderick Evans directs the implementation of software solutions that streamline maintenance protocols and improve operational efficiency. This dual-function role requires constant coordination with technical teams to ensure the seamless integration of hardware and software across all transit vehicles. Through the deployment of innovative transit technologies, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer optimizes route planning and passenger information systems. Evans drives the digital transformation of the organization, ensuring that technological advancements directly support the mission of providing safe and accessible transportation for the Flint area.

Edward Burger, the Chief Operating Officer for Fixed Route and Para-Transit at Mass Transportation Authority, manages the daily execution of primary bus routes and specialized services for individuals with disabilities. Burger oversees the scheduling and deployment of vehicles to ensure timely arrivals for passengers requiring transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores. By coordinating with dispatch teams, the Chief Operating Officer for Fixed Route and Para-Transit maintains high service standards across the entire Flint region. Edward Burger monitors performance metrics to identify areas for operational improvement, ensuring that para-transit services remain accessible and efficient. This leadership role involves direct supervision of transit personnel to guarantee adherence to safety protocols and service quality benchmarks. Through the optimization of route logistics, the Chief Operating Officer for Fixed Route and Para-Transit supports the mobility needs of the elderly population. Burger drives the operational success of the transit network by ensuring that fixed routes and specialized services function in perfect alignment with passenger demand.

Michele Loper, the Chief Operating Officer, Communications & External Affairs at Mass Transportation Authority, manages the public image and community engagement strategies for the transit organization. Loper directs the outreach programs that inform residents about available services, including the trolley service in Fenton and senior shopper initiatives. By fostering strong relationships with local government and community stakeholders, the Chief Operating Officer, Communications & External Affairs ensures that the transit mission remains visible and supported. Michele Loper oversees the development of communication materials that clarify service changes and accessibility features for passengers. This role involves managing public inquiries and addressing community feedback to maintain high levels of satisfaction. Through strategic messaging, the Chief Operating Officer, Communications & External Affairs promotes the value of public transportation to the Flint community. Loper drives the external affairs agenda, ensuring that the organization effectively communicates its commitment to safety and inclusivity to all riders and regional partners.

Gary Mitchell, the Transit Bus Operator President Local 3437 at Mass Transportation Authority, represents the interests of the frontline workforce responsible for delivering daily transit services. Mitchell directs labor-management relations to ensure that the needs of bus operators are addressed while maintaining high service standards for the public. By advocating for safe working conditions and professional development, the Transit Bus Operator President Local 3437 supports the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy against threats to drivers. Gary Mitchell collaborates with executive leadership to resolve operational challenges and improve the overall work environment for the transit staff. This role involves negotiating agreements that align labor practices with the organizational goal of providing reliable transportation to medical and grocery facilities. Through consistent communication with the operator team, the Transit Bus Operator President Local 3437 ensures that frontline staff remain focused on passenger safety and service excellence. Mitchell drives the professional standards of the workforce, directly impacting the quality of the transit experience for all Flint residents.