CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel tapped public transit veteran Dorval R. Carter Jr. to take the helm of the Chicago Transit Authority.
Carter has a 30-year record at the local and federal level. He will leave the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he most recently served as acting chief of staff to Secretary Anthony Foxx, to take the position of CTA president.
"Dorval is a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about public transportation to the CTA," Emanuel said May 5. "And just as importantly, he already has a long and successful track record with CTA and understands the opportunities and challenges it faces."
"He possesses the experience and passion for transit that will make him highly effective. Mayor Emanuel has made an excellent choice to lead CTA," Foxx said in a city statement announcing the appointment.
"I brought Dorval from CTA to USDOT when I was tapped to lead the department," said Foxx's predecessor, Ray LaHood. "Dorval brings a wealth of knowledge on transit issues and a passion for public service that will serve the people of Chicago well."
Carter began his career with the CTA in 1984 as a staff attorney. He later worked for 10 years at the Federal Transit Administration in various positions including assistant chief counsel for legislation and regulation.
He returned to the CTA from 2000 to 2009 where he held a variety of posts including executive vice president and chief administrative officer. During his tenure, Carter was responsible for directing and coordinating the principal planning and operating functions of CTA's $1 billion operating budget and five-year capital improvement program. He also served as acting president from January to April 2009.
Carter starts the week of May 18. He replaces Forrest Claypool, who Emanuel named to serve as his next chief of staff. Emanuel put Claypool in charge of the CTA after his election four years ago.
The next CTA president faces challenges posed by Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposal to cut transit aid to help balance the state's fiscal 2016 budget and the need to come up with funding for capital investments.
