OC Transpo's general manager Alain Mercier is out and the, now former, Public Works general manager John Manconi is in.
The news broke that Ottawa's massive public transit system would be getting a new boss Wednesday afternoon. Manconi will replace Mercier effective immediately.
This is one of the measures announced for a restructuring of municipal staff Wednesday.
Transit services will now report to the deputy city manager Steve Kanellakos.
As a key member of the City's Senior Management Team for the last 11 years, John Manconi has a proven track record for leading management teams and workforces, building effective working relationships with unions and restoring employee morale and satisfaction," said Kanellakos in a news release from the City. "The combination of John's superior management skills and focus on the delivery of the highest standards of customer service will provide the stability and confidence that City Council and Ottawa residents deserve from their public transit service provider."
City officials say Manconi was not available to do interviews however issued this statement on his behalf:
"I look forward to working with Chair Deans, the Transit Commission and the dedicated employees at Transit Services. Given the significant challenges of managing a large transit organization, my focus is to get straight to work on management priorities and familiarize myself with the day-to-day operations," said Manconi.
Manconi has more than 20 years of experience working with municipalities. Last year he made $213,000, while Mercier earned $186,000.
Mercier is leaving with a severance of $260,000.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
