Marin Transit selects next general manager

Marin Transit has promoted its director of operations and service development to general manager.

Robert Betts, 46, of Petaluma has 20 years of transit experience, including 14 years as a Marin Transit staffer. He will succeed Nancy Whelan, who is set to retire Friday.

The agency’s board voted unanimously Monday to approve the contract with Betts. His starting annual salary will be $265,000, an increase of about $40,000.

“Nancy has done a tremendous job leading and growing this agency over the past 11 years,” Betts said Monday. “Under her strong leadership, the agency was able to accomplish many milestones, including initiating the conversion of our bus fleet to zero emissions, returning ridership to pre-COVID levels before any other Bay Area transit agency, acquiring facilities and land to support our future operational needs, and creating a fun and supportive workplace environment that encourages diversity and innovation.”

“I feel very fortunate to take over the leadership of this agency and continue my work to improve transit and mobility services here in Marin,” Betts said.

Initial priorities for the district include addressing operating expenses that are outpacing revenues, continuing the development of capital projects needed to transition to a zero-emission fleet and “supporting the talented team of staff that make Marin Transit an innovative and forward-thinking agency,” Betts said.

Whelan, 68, of Corte Madera announced her retirement plans in September. Her annual salary is $280,392.

An executive search for her replacement drew more than a dozen applicants. Four were selected for interviews.

“Robert’s deep knowledge of Marin Transit’s services and rider needs makes him stand out as an excellent choice as Marin Transit’s new general manager,” Whelan said. “Robert is respected by Marin Transit’s community partners and his peers across the Bay Area for his transit planning and operations expertise as well as his creativity and vision for improving transit. Robert is extremely well-prepared for this position and I’m confident he will be the leader Marin Transit wants and needs.”

Marin County Supervisor Mary Sackett, president of the Marin Transit board, said she has worked with Betts for many years.

“Robert has strong leadership experience within Marin County, and he really understands Marin Transit routes, service delivery and our population,” Sackett said. “I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead Marin Transit.”

In addition to promoting Betts on Monday, district officials honored Whelan with a resolution recognizing her achievements as general manager.

“She was an incredible leader, not only for our small Marin Transit team, but also for Bay Area transit agencies,” Sackett said. “I can’t help but note that she really led the way, I think, for a lot of women in the transit industry and mentored a lot of people.”

Whelan said it’s been a pleasure to lead the agency.

“Marin Transit provides more than 10,000 rides a day on our buses, helping reduce traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. “We have introduced new programs and improved services for students, older adults and people with disabilities, making transit more accessible and useful to them and the broader community. I’m proud of all we have accomplished and I look forward to seeing Marin Transit thrive in the future under Robert’s leadership.”