MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker died Friday night, according to officials.
A spokesperson for the transit authority issued a statement on Saturday morning:
“With very heavy hearts, we share the official news of GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker’s tragic passing on Friday evening, January 14, 2023.
“Please keep his family in your prayers and meditations.
“In the coming days, we will share more information on the transition plan, including grief counseling for employees as we process this devastating news.
“Jeff cared deeply about MARTA and his leadership gave us a strong foundation from which to carry forward.”
Flags at MARTA headquarters were lowered to half-staff on Saturday.
MARTA CEO Jeffrey A. Parker Cause of Death
There’s no official word about the cause of Parker’s death.
Who was MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker?
Parker was named CEO and General Manager of MARTA in March 2018, according to his bio on the transit authority’s website.
Parker’s background was in architecture and engineering prior to joining MARTA.
Parker graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University.
Parker’s contract as MARTA’s CEO and General Manager extended through June 2026.
With very heavy hearts, we share the news of GM/CEO Jeff Parker’s tragic passing on Friday evening, January 14, 2022. Please keep his family in your prayers and meditations. Jeff cared deeply about MARTA and his leadership gave us a strong foundation from which to carry forward.
— MARTA (@MARTAtransit) January 15, 2022
State of MARTA in 2023 under Jeffrey Parker
Parker’s last public appearance was during an address on the state of MARTA at the beginning of 2023.
Parker touted the transit authority’s frontline employees, who made sure transit continued to operate during the pandemic.
Parker announced during the Jan. 12 “State of MARTA in 2023” event that the organization had a balanced budget for 10 consecutive years.
Parker oversaw a tumultuous period during the pandemic. MARTA implemented COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated employees. After navigating staff shortages in 2021, the organization began the new year hiring bus operators and technicians.
Parker led MARTA when its buses and trains transported a half-million football fans for Super Bowl LIII.