FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2025
MARTA ANNOUNCES PERMANENT APPOINTMENTS OF CHIEF OF STAFF, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, AND CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL
ATLANTA - The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is pleased to announce the permanent appointments of Steven Parker as Chief of Staff, LaShanda Dawkins as Chief Administrative Officer, and Jonathan Hunt as Chief Legal Counsel. These experienced leaders will play key roles in guiding MARTA’s strategic initiatives and service improvements.
“Ms. Dawkins, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. Parker will continue their significant contributions to the important work before us,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “I am pleased to announce their permanent appointments to my executive team.”
Steven Parker, Chief of Staff
Mr. Steven Parker has been appointed Chief of Staff. In this role, he will serve as a top advisor to the General Manager/CEO, assisting with leading strategic planning, key executive projects and decision making. Mr. Parker is responsible for overseeing cross-agency functions, with a focus on key performance indicators, identifying areas of improvement across the organization and making actionable recommendations. He will also represent the CEO in interactions with MARTA board members elected and community stakeholders and the public. Additionally, he will manage the Department of External Affairs, which encompasses Government Affairs, Public Engagement, Communications, and Marketing.
Mr. Parker has 25 years of experience in community, legislative, legal and policy development. He joined MARTA in 2024 as Assistant General Manager of External Affairs and most recently served as Interim Chief of Staff. Previously, he served as Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and worked as an attorney at Balch & Bingham LLP, Senior City Attorney for the City of Atlanta, and General Counsel for StoryBrand.
He holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from North Carolina Central University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from California State University Northridge.
LaShanda Dawkins, Chief Administrative Officer
Ms. LaShanda Dawkins has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer. She will assist the General Manager/CEO in the overall administration of MARTA, ensuring alignment with policies and directives set by leadership. She will oversee departments that provide business support services, including Human Resources, Labor and Employee Relations, and Diversity and Inclusion. Ms. Dawkins will also coordinate executive activities and develop long- and short-term strategies in support of MARTA’s mission.
With over 25 years of experience in legal and human resource management, Ms. Dawkins has been with MARTA since 2006, most recently serving as Interim Chief Administrative Officer. She holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law and a B.B.A. in Accounting from Prairie View A&M University.
Jonathan Hunt, Chief Legal Counsel
Mr. Jonathan Hunt has been appointed Chief Legal Counsel. In this role, he will advise the General Manager, staff, and the MARTA Board of Directors on legal matters, including litigation, regulatory compliance, intergovernmental relations, and real estate. He will lead a team of in-house attorneys and oversee the Office of Risk Management and Contracts, Procurement, and Materials. Additionally, he will monitor and coordinate legal services for the MARTA Board of Directors.
Mr. Hunt has over 24 years of legal experience and previously worked as an engineer with Gilbane Co. before entering law. He has been with MARTA since 2014, most recently serving as Interim Chief Legal Counsel. Mr. Hunt earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Case Western Reserve University and a B.S. from Hampton University.
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