Columbia transit authority names new executive director/CEO

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The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) board of directors has appointed Maurice Pearl as its new executive director/CEO after conducting a nationwide search.

“I am excited to be welcomed into The COMET family and am eager to serve the Midlands community,” said Pearl in a news release. “With all that has been achieved, there is more good work to be done and I am ready to build upon that with the staff and Board of Directors.”

Pearl brings more than 20 years of public transit experience with a strong operational background highlighting safety and labor relations, the release stated. He holds master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s and political science degrees from the University of Southern Indiana.

Pearl will work closely with LeRoy DesChamps, who earlier had agreed to serve in the interim executive director/CEO role until a successor was identified by the Board.

The chair of The COMET board of directors, Allison Terracio, expressed enthusiasm with Pearl joining the organization as well as appreciation of DesChamps’ role.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to working with Mr. Pearl in his new role and wish him much success,” said Terracio in the release. “We also would like to convey our debt of gratitude to Mr. DesChamps as he graciously stepped up to lead as Interim Executive Director/CEO during a critical time for the organization. We are grateful that he will be here to help with this transition.”

Pearl’s tenure as executive director/CEO began Nov. 13.