COMET announces Interim Executive Director
May 12, 2017
The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (COMET), has named public transportation veteran Ann August, CCTM as the Interim Executive Director. In March, Bob Schneider announced he was leaving the COMET after serving five years as the Executive Director to join the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) in Woodbridge, Virginia.
August brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, including a combined 15 years as the Executive Director/CEO of public transit systems in Birmingham, Alabama and Sumter, South Carolina.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ann August to The COMET team and back to the Columbia community,” said Joyce Dickerson, Chair Person of Richland County Council, Chair Person of The COMET Board. “Between her decades of experience in expanding transit programs and her knowledge of the region, we are confident in Ann’s ability to boost the program’s momentum as we grow the system and enhance the rider experience.”
In addition to her numerous professional affiliations; including serving on the APTA Collaboration Taskforce, National Transit Institute (NTI) Advisory Board of Directors, League of Women Voters and the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Board; August served nearly 30 years in the United States Army Reserves, including a period with Columbia’s U.S. Army Base, Fort Jackson.
“The staff is excited to work with Ann,” said Missy Lawlor, The COMET Administrative Coordinator. “Her leadership and experience in the industry will be instrumental in ensuring The COMET continues to build upon its success.”
“I am looking forward to working with The COMET team, Board of Directors, local leaders and the business community to continue improving the transit system” said Ann August, Interim Executive Director.
This month, The COMET began a year-long celebration of its 125th year of transit in Columbia, S.C.
For more information on The COMET, please visit www.catchthecomet.org or contact Missy Lawlor at [email protected].
About The COMET
Established in October 2002, The COMET is committed to providing safe, dependable and accessible public transit service to the heart of the Midlands. For more information visit www.catchthecomet.org.
