David Howard was chosen as the inaugural chair of the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority on acclamation during the authority’s first meeting on Dec. 18. The body also elected Frank Emery as vice chair, Christy Long as secretary and Ned Kern as treasurer and completed the administrative steps needed to begin work.

The nominations opened shortly after trustees determined staggered initial terms by lot (red chips for two-year terms, black chips for four-year terms). Justin Harlow nominated Howard; Jocelyn Nollie seconded the nomination, which the authority closed by motion and accepted by acclamation. The presiding officer recessed so the new chair could take the gavel and lead the rest of the meeting.

Mayors and local officials from across Mecklenburg County attended the inaugural meeting and offered remarks before trustees completed officer elections. Mayor Vi Lyles of Charlotte praised regional collaboration and noted the city’s earlier $90,000,000 purchase of the Red Line corridor as a step toward regional transit expansion. Leaders said the authority presents an opportunity for coordinated investment and emphasized concerns about avoiding resident and small-business displacement as projects proceed.

Vice chair and other officer selections followed the same nomination-and-vote process. Mayor Pappas moved to nominate Frank Emery for vice chair citing his transportation and legal experience; the nomination was seconded and approved. Christie Long and Reverend Corinne Mack were nominated for secretary; after each candidate spoke, trustees voted and elected Long to the post. Ned Kern was nominated and accepted the treasurer role.

Trustees were sworn at the meeting and staff explained administrative items including public access to meeting materials and viewing options. The authority paused after officer selection for a group photograph, and the newly constituted board moved on to business including receiving consultant studies required under state law.

The elections established the authority’s leadership team that will steer initial governance and administrative tasks as the body meets to work through asset, liability and operational questions in the months ahead.