NTTA chooses local gov/academic administrator as exec-director (PERSONNEL)

North Texas Tollway Authority's board has appointed Allen Clemson their new executive director, effective June 1. Clemson, 60, is completely new to the toll industry. His most recent job was special assistant to the vice chancellor of University of North Texas (UNT) Dallas Campus where his bio describes him as overseeing administration and finance.

For 23 years prior to that Clemson worked in Dallas County government where he rose to the top appointed position: Administrator.

The NTTA announcement says: "His experience includes general operations, governmental affairs, policy development and implementation and financial oversight."

He has a bachelors degree in business administration from UNT.

Chairman of the NTTA board Paul Wagerman is quoted: "Following a comprehensive national search, Mr Clemson emerged as the candidate uniquely qualified to lead the NTTA as it seeks solutions to the region’s transportation challenges of the next decade. His knowledge of the local landscape and administrative expertise will further the NTTA's ability to address North Texas’ growing mobility needs."

The official bio says: "He brings 37 years of experience in supervising large staffs with a proven record of bringing them together as a team."

Clemson himself is quoted: “I know this was an exhaustive search on the part of the board to find a suitable candidate and I feel honored that they have selected me. I am extremely committed to this opportunity and look forward to starting on June 1.”

His salary is still in negotiation but the Dallas News reports the likely figure is $230k.

Clemson replaces Jorge Figueredo who suddenly departed December 6 2008 after only about 18 months on the job. Figueredo has a long and distinguished career in the toll industry in Florida.  Figueredo was on a salary of $260k according to the Dallas News and got a year's severance pay as part of his termination settlement.

see on Figueredo departure:

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/3872

The past six months acting executive director at NTTA has been Janice Davis, a new hire just last fall. She was hired as chief financial officer but was quickly swung into taking the place of Figueredo. She now goes back to being CFO.

Strongman chairman

Wagerman is reportedly a strong, interventionist chairman which is always liable to create problems for a chief executive.

TOLLROADSnews 2009-05-27 ADDITIONS 2009-05-28 10:00