Pee Dee Regionald Transportation Authority Names Interim Executive Director

Staff Reports

Don Strickland will become interim executive director of the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority on March 1 when Chuck MacNeil retires.

Strickland’s appointment was announced Friday by the authority’s chairman, Tyron Jones. The authority’s board of directors met Thursday and voted on the appointment.

MacNeil has served as PDRTA executive director since October 2011.

“Among his many accomplishments, most notably saving our agency from the brink of collapse in 2013, Chuck also identified the necessary qualities of a future leader in Don Strickland and became a mentor to him over these past few years. I have witnessed Don’s professional growth and development under Chuck’s guidance and the two have worked tirelessly and in sync to advance PDRTA to a stronger agency with a brighter future,” Jones said.

George Jebaily, a Florence City Council member, serves on the PDRTA board and headed the search committee.

“It made too much sense to try this approach when Don has been a significant contributor here all along,” Jebaily said. “The board has become very familiar with his capabilities, expertise with federal and state transportation offices, and knowledge that comes with his 10-plus years of working at PDRTA. We do not want to see Chuck go but, given the circumstances the board is most comfortable to continue on with Don in charge.”

The PDRTA board also intends to retain MacNeil’s services to assist Strickland with the transition where needed in the months ahead.

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