Krauthamer & Associates Assists the Dallas Area Rapid Transit with CEO Search
July 30, 2026 – Krauthamer & Associates (K&A) has assisted in the recruitment of Nathaniel Ford as president and CEO of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). “Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains,” said DART board chair Randall Bryant. “Today, we are turning the page. The board has made its decision and now it’s time to get back to what matters most, serving the people of North Texas.”
Mr. Ford’s transit career includes working at Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York, and previous CEO roles at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) in California, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in Georgia. Since 2012, he has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).
During his career, Mr. Ford has also served as chair of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine as well as chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit is the regional public transportation authority serving Dallas and 12 surrounding municipalities in North Texas. Established in 1983, the agency operates an integrated network of light rail, commuter rail, bus, paratransit, and on-demand transit services across a service area of approximately 700 square miles.
Krauthamer & Associates specializes in identifying, attracting, and recruiting talent for C-suite, board, and senior roles across industries, such as real estate, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, private equity, the public sector, technology, and more.
Related: Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CFO for Zippy Shell
Gary Krauthamer, who founded the firm in 1971, has completed more than 1,000 search assignments throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Over the last 30 years, Mr. Krauthamer has worked extensively within and across the public and private sectors. His clients can be found in the aerospace industry, federal government, entrepreneurial organizations, middle-market entities, and large multinational Fortune 100 corporations.
Metropolitan Public Transportation Search
K&A was recently retained by the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is expected to take several months. Interim CEO Brent Cagle will continue leading day-to-day operations in the meantime and has been encouraged to apply for the permanent role, according to the board. MPTA board chair David Howard said the search reflects the organization’s commitment to sound governance during a pivotal moment for the agency.
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
“As Charlotte Area Transit System transitions to an independent organization, it is the board’s responsibility to ensure we have the right CEO in place,” said Mr. Howard. “Conducting a national search allows us to consider a wide range of qualified candidates while adhering to best governance practices during this transition.”
Officials said no service changes are expected during the search process. The board said it will maintain coordination with Charlotte and other stakeholders as the transition continues.
The Charlotte Area Transit System is the public transportation agency serving Charlotte, NC, and surrounding communities within Mecklenburg County. The system operates local and express bus routes, the LYNX Blue Line light rail service, the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar, and paratransit transportation for eligible riders.
Related: Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for Santa Cruz Metro
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
