It's official: Bloomington-Normal's Connect Transit has hired a general manager.
Isaac Thorne, who has been serving as interim general manager since March, was named to the permanent position by the Connect Transit board on Tuesday.
“I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to serve Connect Transit and the Bloomington-Normal community,” Thorne said. “I look forward to working with our great employees on improving the customer experience, as well as building relationships and partnerships in the community.”
Connect Transit Board Chair Mike McCurdy echoed Thorne’s enthusiasm and praised his efforts the past six months after former general manager Andrew Johnson resigned.
"It became apparent working with Isaac over the few months while he was interim that he was entirely capable of doing the job," McCurdy said.
Thorne joined Connect Transit in 2007 as a dispatcher before landing the company’s chief operating officer position in 2014.
"(Thorne) will focus on making sure there are ADA-compliant bus stops with shelters across the community, bringing more frequent service to busy routes, and examining fare restructuring," McCurdy said.
Editor's note: McCurdy is also GLT's program director.
WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.