VT: CCTA General Manager to Step Down September 30

The general manager of the Chittenden County Transit Authority (CCTA), Bill Watterson notified employees and the board of directors today that he will be stepping down effective September 30th to pursue new professional opportunities.

Incoming board chair Catherine Dimitruk said the board appreciates Watterson’s efforts to steer the organization though an important period of growth and facilitate contract renegotiations with the organization’s driver and mechanic unions.

Watterson managed the expansion of service into the Jeffersonville and Route 15 areas, as well as seeing through an expansion of service to the north that includes new stops in the heart of Colchester. These accomplishments help sow the seeds for further transit growth in the region.

“We appreciate the contributions Bill has made to our organization and wish him all the best as he moves forward,” Dimitruk said. “Looking ahead, our goal is to continue to build a strong team that can lead CCTA forward and further expand the role of public transportation in strengthening our economy, improving the environment and making our communities even better places to live and work.

"Over the next several weeks, our process will include the hiring of an interim director to oversee operations, work with Bill to ensure a smooth transition, and manage the recruitment process for the next general manager,” Dimitruk continued. “Ultimately, the board will establish an inclusive general manager hiring process that will include employee input as an integral part. Though we have more details to iron out, we understand how important it is to CCTA and to our communities that we get this process right.”