Mary McLain, our General Manager for our San Francisco paratransit operation has decided to retire after 27 years with Transdev and 38 years in the transit industry. Her last day will be October 31, 2023.
Mary has spent a significant portion of her career in transit. She began her transit career as a rideshare program director and marketing manager and quickly moved to leadership positions where, over the years, she has managed all types of operations including paratransit, fixed route and even a streetcar start-up. She has overseen the San Francisco Paratransit Operations since 2014, but prior to that worked in Roanoke, VA, Missoula, MT, South Bend, IN and Tucson, AZ.
For Mary, it’s always been about her employees. When asked what she is most proud of, she points to the successes many of her employees have realized and how they have advanced in their respective careers. She takes great pride in working as a mentor and when she sees how mentees (formal and informal ones) have flourished in their careers to achieve positions like general managers, assistant general managers and the like – she is filled with joy and pride.
Over her more than three-decade career, she has experienced and seen a lot of change in the industry, but none more impactful than the effect technology has had on transit. However, she is quick to point out that she sees technology as a positive – providing more options and sophistication to the industry, while empowering our passengers and increasing the focus on customer service.
Making the decision to retire wasn’t an easy one for Mary. She contributes her longevity to her personal stubbornness and determination, as she put it. She has always relished in “fighting the battle”. However, she knew now the time was right for retirement. She has a new management team in place and feels confident they are set-up for success. She explains how she will miss all the working relationships she’s enjoyed over the years – from corporate leadership, the regional VPs and directors, to fellow GMs, and her local team – but, she is excited to be returning to her home in Arizona and being with partner Martín fulltime (something that hasn’t happened in the 9.5 years since she accepted the “temporary” position in San Francisco). She also excited to spend more time with her two dalmatians Chloe and Lily and her two African spurred tortoises Butch and Wyatt.
When asked about Mary, Mark Elias, RVP of the Northwest, said: “Mary’s leadership, integrity, attention to detail and overall business acumen have helped foster a very successful location. Mary has been able to nurture a fantastic relationship with her employees, the community and our customer (SFMTA), which has enabled Transdev to become a trusted paratransit service provider in San Francisco. Mary will surely be missed, and we wish her nothing but the best in this next stage and journey in her life.”
It’s important to note that Mary’s accomplishments and successes were not only felt at Transdev. Mary has been the recipient of the Athena Award, which recognizes women who demonstrate excellence in professional leadership, community service and mentorship of others. She’s had two flags flown over the U.S. Capital in her honor – one by previous Congressman Chris Chocola of Indiana and the other by previous Congressman Ron Barber of Arizona. And, she’s received the Sagamore of the Wabash distinction – the Indiana Governor’s citizen award. Clearly, her impact is widespread.
Thank you, Mary, for your contributions to Transdev over the years. You have made a lasting impact on the company and so many of your colleagues. We wish you a happy, heathy, well-deserved retirement filled with many new adventures.
