UTA executive committee recommends Benson as new president

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Jerry Benson has been recommended as the new UTA president and CEO after 32 years with the company.
UTA

After serving as the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) interim president and CEO for a year, the UTA’s executive committee for the Board of Trustees formally recommended Jerry Benson this week to hold the title permanently.

 

With more than 30 years of experience in public transportation, Benson was the standard other candidates were compared to during the search for a lasting replacement, said UTA Board Chair H. David Burton.

“After none of the candidates proved themselves more qualified than Mr. Benson, the executive committee asked him to reconsider,” Burton said. “I am happy to say he has done so, and he is very excited at the possibility of serving as UTA’s president [and] CEO.” 

The board is currently considering the recommendation and representatives say voting on the decision will take place at an Aug. 31 board meeting.

Benson has been with the UTA for 32 years, and he most recently held the role of vice president of operations. For more than three decades with the company, representatives say Benson has been focused on service operations and operations support, having held positions in operations performance, human resources and personnel and labor relations.

“Jerry’s extensive experience in operations is aligned with UTA’s current focus on expanding and improving service, and he has worked closely with the board this past year making a number of changes and reforms,” Burton said. “He understands the challenges facing the agency and is fully engaged and committed to continuing these initiatives and ensuring UTA’s future success.”

The UTA reportedly received more than 120 applications for the job through an extensive national search process that was conducted throughout the past year. Officials say the committee reached out to potential candidates, accepted recommendations and carried out interviews.

Benson has launched multiple programs over the years that have made the UTA’s rail network more reliable, officials say, adding that he led the operations strategies necessary to open five rail lines in three years.

“Jerry’s experience in the day-to-day operations of the agency is invaluable as UTA transitions from building large rail projects to an increased focus on operations,” Burton said.

Following the Aug. 31 vote, Benson’s salary will be negotiated with the board and made public. Representatives say his pay will be on par with the UTA’s compensation policy, which determines salaries based on those of comparable organizations.

Benson is also adjunct professor at the University of Utah, where he earned his doctorate in organizational communication. 

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