HART Board Selects Benjamin Limmer as New CEO

The HART selected Benjamin Limmer as the new HART CEO

The HART Board of Directors today voted unanimously to name Benjamin Limmer, AICP, as the Authority's new chief executive officer.  During the regular HART Board of Directors meeting today the Board authorized HART general counsel to begin contract negotiations with Limmer who is currently the Assistant General Manager for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

"Benjamin Limmer will bring the experience this County needs to expand service for our fast-growing area," said HART Board Chair Commissioner Lesley "Les" Miller. "Increasing mobility in our County is our basis for a prosperous and sustainable future. Today, we welcome a seasoned transit professional with more than 15 years of experience." 

"We were impressed with his expertise, industry knowledge, and proven leadership," said HART Board Secretary Tampa Councilman Mike Suarez. "The Board is confident he shares our commitment to ensuring HART is providing excellent service to its customers and will take an innovative and collaborative approach to lead the organization."

 

Limmer is a Michigan native who currently serves as the assistant general manager at the MARTA. In addition to his role as the primary advisor to the Authority's GM/CEO on strategic initiatives, development of expansion and service plans, and monitoring of the Authority's overall performance. Limmer leads a team of 200 employees in the areas of MARTA's customer service, external affairs, marketing, policy, planning, and business development. MARTA is the 8th largest transit system in the US.

Before joining MARTA, Limmer held transit leadership positions at the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and the City of Atlanta, Valley Metro in Phoenix, Arizona and the Regional Transit Authority in Cleveland, Ohio.

Limmer has been recognized as one of Mass Transit Magazine's "40 Under 40." He was also the recipient of the Women's Transportation Seminar, Honorable Ray LaHood "Man of the Year" Award.

HART participated in a rigorous search process to ensure the Authority found the best possible leader to take it forward. Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates aided HART starting in early November when the Hillsborough County voters approved a 1-cent sales tax for transportation improvements on November 6, 2018.

Limmer replaces interim CEO Jeff Seward who has been serving for well over a year since former CEO Katharine Eagan left the agency to lead the Port Authority of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh area's transit agency.

The board of directors expressed thanks to all of the candidates who were part of the process and who brought a wealth of talent for the board to consider.

Exciting times ahead for HART and Hillsborough County!