Bloomington-Normal’s public bus system board has approved the hiring of David Braun as its new general manager, replacing interim manager Mark Peterson. Braun will start Aug. 9.
The selection of Braun represents the culmination of a several month national search to hire a replacement for Isaac Thorne, who resigned the position in August of 2020 to take a similar job in Knoxville, Tenn.
Connect Transit Board Chairman Ryan Whitehouse said the board feels fortunate to attract such an experienced candidate in Braun.
“The members of the board of trustees are confident that Mr. Braun will find ways to make our already outstanding transit system even better,” said Whitehouse.
Braun has more than 25 years of experience in public transit. He most recently served as director of transit operations for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority in Cincinnati.
“I look forward to serving the Bloomington and Normal communities and building upon the great work Connect Transit’s staff and board have done to make public transit safe, reliable, accessible, sustainable and a great transportation choice for the residents of the area,” he said.
Braun also managed City Link in Peoria from 1996 to 2002, and held senior positions at the private corporation, Transdev North America, American Logistics, a national passenger transportation management company, and First Transit.
Connect Transit has provided public transportation to the Bloomington-Normal community since 1972. Braun will oversee Connect Transit’s $15 million operating budget and 140 employees.
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