People news from Maryland Transit Administration, Georgia Ports and Denver RTD

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) starting Sept. 1 will be led by Tony Bridges, following his appointment by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. He will succeed outgoing MTA Administrator Holly Arnold. Bridges previously served in the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) as assistant secretary, and as senior advisor to the secretary and MTA chief of staff. From 2019 to 2023, Bridges represented Baltimore’s 41st District as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He currently serves as deputy legislative officer for Moore. "Tony Bridges brings a rare combination of hands-on transit experience, legislative insight and an unwavering commitment to Maryland," said Moore. "He understands that transit is the ultimate connector to opportunity, and I am confident that under his leadership, the Maryland Transit Administration will build a safer, more reliable and more equitable transportation network for our entire state."

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has promoted Vice President of Operations Susan Gardner to chief information officer. Gardner has more than 30 years of industry experience, having held progressive leadership roles in several port locations in the United States. She joined GPA in 2020 as senior director of operations and projects and later was VP of operations. Prior to joining GPA, Gardner worked for terminal operations software company Kaleris/Navis as VP and general manager of field operations in the Americas. “Susan’s terminal operating expertise, systems knowledge and leadership will take us to the next level of performance for our customers and port users,” said GPA President Kevin Price in a press release.

Regional Transportation District-Denver (RTD) has named Jimmy Vigil director of safety and environmental compliance and chief safety officer, effective July 26. He has been acting in the role since April and will continue to oversee all aspects of safety and environmental compliance across the agency, lead RTD’s safety programs, conduct comprehensive safety and environmental audits and coordinate closely with regulatory partners. Vigil has more than 35 years of leadership experience in public transportation, energy infrastructure, environmental compliance, emergency management and security operations, RTD officials said in a press release. Prior to joining RTD, Vigil was a safety and security manager for Exxon Mobil Corp., leading teams in Texas, Vietnam, Iraq, Tanzania and Papua New Guinea. Vigil is also a U.S. Marine Corps. veteran.