Boyden Assists TransLink in the Recruitment of a New CEO
June 1, 2021 – Boyden recently assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Quinn as the new chief executive officer of TransLink, the regional transportation authority for Metro Vancouver. The TransLink board of directors made the appointment following a competitive international candidate search and thorough review process. He takes on the role effective July 19. The assignment was co-led by managing partners Craig Hemer and Kathryn Young and principal Kayne Yen. “We look forward to welcoming Kevin Quinn to the TransLink enterprise, which will benefit from his bold, innovative and customer-centered approach to leadership,” said Tony Gugliotta, chair of TransLink’s board of directors. “As TransLink prepares to welcome back more customers to transit and launch a robust ridership recovery plan, we are thrilled to have Kevin lead TransLink into its next chapter.”
Mr. Quinn is currently the administrator and chief executive officer of the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), overseeing one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the U.S. With a mix of six transit modes, including buses, subway, light rail, paratransit, and commuter bus and rail, and over 100 million passengers a year, MTA has strong parallels to TransLink. Mr. Quinn started his tenure as CEO of MTA in 2017, focusing on customer experience and employee engagement, overseeing the development of customer-facing real-time tracking technology for local bus and commuter rail service, and introducing the agency’s first mobile payment app, CharmPass.
Prior to serving as MTA CEO, Mr. Quinn was the director of planning and programming, responsible for implementing a complete overhaul and rebranding of the core transit system, including the introduction of new, high-frequency bus lines. He also has private sector experience, as the Mid-Atlantic transportation planning and policy manager for STV Inc. in Baltimore.
In his new role, Mr. Quinn will lead TransLink’s post-pandemic recovery, with an emphasis on rebuilding ridership, achieving financial sustainability, supporting employees, and continuing to deliver a reliable and thriving transportation system for Metro Vancouver.
TransLink manages and operates an integrated regional transportation system — connecting communities by bus, rail, SeaBus, custom transit services, pedestrian and cycling paths, the Major Road Network and five bridges. TransLink’s enterprise includes TransLink and three operating companies: B.C. Rapid Transit Co., Coast Mountain Bus Co. and Transit Police.
Veteran Search Consultants
Boyden, headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 65 offices in over 40 countries. It continues to expand and add talent across several global regions.
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Mr. Hemer has worked in executive search for two decades and supported many boards in recruiting for C-suite and other senior leadership roles in the private and public sectors. He recruits talent in multiple disciplines, including board members, operational management, finance, HR, sales and marketing, and engineering. Mr. Hemer has expertise in industrial, government, education, not-for-profit; he works with private and public sector organizations of all sizes.
Executive Recruiters & Talent Leaders
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Ms. Young has provided human capital consulting for more than 15 years. She has guided clients through well over 200 executive hires, almost exclusively in the board, CEO and VP ranks, navigating the dynamics and governance issues associated with senior-level hires.
Since joining Boyden in 2015, Mr. Yen has been involved in over 100 senior executive assignments. With a focus on the private sector, he has worked with clients in an array of industrial markets including transportation, forestry, manufacturing, real estate and construction. Mr. Yen’s clients range from some of Canada’s largest blue-chip organizations to local, medium-sized businesses.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
