Valley Metro places CEO on administrative leave; accepts resignation
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
Valley Metro
Valley Metro has accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Stephen Banta and placed him on administrative leave, effective immediately.
On December 7, the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) and Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors will meet to review a separation agreement.
“It’s time for change in the senior leadership role at Valley Metro,” said Phoenix Councilmember, Valley Metro Rail Board Chair and Valley Metro RPTA Board Treasurer Thelda Williams. “We will work over the next few months to audit records and strengthen policies to ensure our expectations and the expectations of taxpayers are better met into the future.”
Eric Anderson, transportation director with the Maricopa Association of Governments, was named acting CEO while an interim CEO decision can be made. An interim CEO selection is expected at the December 17 joint board meeting. In early 2016, a national search will be conducted to find a permanent replacement to guide the Valley Metro agency, staff and its mission of providing customers with a safe, efficient and reliable public transit network.
Additionally, the boards have instructed acting CEO Anderson to begin the process of hiring a third-party, independent auditor to review financial policies and records, compliance with these policies and recommend any changes. This audit is in addition to the one being undertaken by the city of Phoenix as the region’s designated federal recipient.
“The Valley Metro agency has done incredible work over the last several decades to improve the public transit system for our residents and visitors,” commented Avondale Councilmember and Valley Metro RPTA Board Chair Jim McDonald. “The good work will continue by the staff as we’re expeditious in finding the next chief executive to continue building a system that connects our communities and enhances our region.”
