MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker has died, the agency confirmed on Saturday.
Officials with the mass transit authority released the following statement regarding Parker’s passing:
Parker died by suicide, according to statement by the MARTA Board of Directors:
“The MARTA Board of Directors grieves the shocking death of our GM/CEO Jeff Parker who has died by suicide. He was an outstanding leader and steward of MARTA whose passing leaves us all heartbroken.
As Chairwoman and on behalf of my fellow MARTA board members, we are devastated at this loss as we valued Jeff’s leadership and looked forward to him bringing his vision for transit to fruition. The entire metro Atlanta region owes him a debt of gratitude for his transformational efforts and we will not stop working to build on the foundation he created.
As we struggle to understand the complexity of this tragedy, we grieve with and for his wife Erin, his daughters and all of Jeff’s family and friends as well as his MARTA family. As we continue to grieve, we want you to know that suicide is preventable and help is available to you.”
Parker is survived by his wife Erin and his daughters, MARTA officials said.
Parker became the CEO of MARTA in March 2018.
MARTA officials also shared resources for anyone who may be dealing with a crisis and seeking help. “For access to services and immediate crisis help, call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225, available 24/7,” a spokesperson said.
MARTA is scheduled to held an emergency board meeting Saturday afternoon.
During meeting, Collie Greenwood was named interim General Manager and CEO, a MARTA spokesperson said. Greenwood joined the agency in March 2019.
In a unanimous vote, the MARTA Board of Directors has named Collie Greenwood as interim General Manager and CEO of MARTA at a specially called board meeting on Saturday, January 15, 2022, held after the sudden death of Jeffrey Parker. pic.twitter.com/e3JEt3GUjz
— CEOMARTA (@CEOMARTA) January 15, 2022
Gov. Kemp reacted to the passing saying in part, “He had an incredible mind for transportation and logistics and a heart for people. He will be greatly missed.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement saying, “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic death of my colleague and friend Jeff Parker. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff’s family and friends, and with the staff and board at MARTA, during this very difficult time.”
I am shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic death of my colleague and friend Jeff Parker. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff’s family and friends, and with the staff and board at MARTA, during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/hB5bAQrEG8
— Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) January 15, 2022
Congresswoman Nikema Williams who represents Georgia’s 5th Congressional district released the following statement to WABE:
“I am stunned to learn of the death of MARTA CEO and General Manager Jeffrey Parker. Jeff was a trusted partner for my work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Because of Jeff’s bold and visionary leadership, MARTA continues to be one of the country’s best-run public transportation agencies and he will be sorely missed. My heart breaks for Jeff’s family, friends, and the entire MARTA team during this difficult time.”
