AC Transit selects new general manager

The AC Transit board of directors recently made the decision to name Michael Hursh, who is a current Bay Area transit executive with over 20 years experience in public service, to be the new general manager for the company.

"I am honored to be joining the AC Transit family,” Hursh said. “To be part of such a dedicated team that has been providing public transit for nearly 55 years is extremely exciting.”

Hursh will replace Kathleen Kelly, who retired in Dec. 2011. He has been the interim general manager as of April 2015. He will begin his new duties on Sept. 21, 2015.

The board of directors hired Krathamer & Associates, which is based in Maryland, to conduct a search throughout the U.S. for a suitable replacement for the company’s leading position. Riders and employees gave their input about what the new nominee should be like.

Hursh previously worked at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA0 for nine years. Since 2012, he was the VTA’s chief operating officer. He also served as the deputy director, operations for security and maintenance.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Hursh’s experience and personality to lead AC Transit to a bright future,’’ AC Transit Board President Chris Peeples said. “We had many excellent candidates, but Mr. Hursh really stood out.”