Jack L. Stephens, 71
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Jack L. Stephens, retired Executive Director of the South Florida Reginal Transportation Authority (SFRTA), died June 2, 2019, of natural causes in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Stephens, 71, retired from SFRTA in December 2018 after having held leadership positions in the public transportation industry for more than 30 years.
Stephens was named SFRTA Executive Director in February 2014 after having served as Deputy Executive Director since 2003. As Executive Director, he was responsible for an organization with a $119.8 million operating budget and a $117.6 million capital budget. SFRTA operates Tri-Rail.
Prior to joining SFRTA, Stephens spent 12 years with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) in a succession of managerial positions, including Deputy General Manager for Administration; Interim General Manager/Chief Executive Officer; Executive Vice President Customer Development Division; Assistant to the General Manager, Office of Federal and State Relations; and Legislative Coordinator. Prior to coming into the transit industry, he was associated with the Orleans Parish Public Schools and the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation. In addition, he served as a legislative staff member for the State of Georgia Senate and House of Representatives.
Stephens held a B.A. from the University of the South and a Master’s from the University of Georgia. He also studied toward a Ph.D in Public Administration/Political Science at Georgia State University.
