CamTran taps CFO to fill executive director vacancy

By David Hurst | The Tribune-Democrat (TNS)

JOHNSTOWN, PA. — A Hastings woman in charge of the Cambria County Transit Authority’s financial oversight and planning has been selected to serve as the organization’s next director.

Kim Morley

CamTran chief financial officer Kim Morley, who has spent the past four years overseeing the authority’s $22 million budget, spending, grant funding and related administrative functions, was unanimously approved Friday to replace retiring Executive Director Rose Lucey-Noll.

Morley will take over the role Oct. 2, Lucey-Noll’s final day at the helm, CamTran Chairman Joe Slifko said. She was chosen after the board launched a three-month internal search that drew criticism Friday from one Cambria County commissioner.

Slifko said Morley is well-prepared for the job. He cited her crucial, deep expertise in public transit finance, federal and state grant administration, and the broad list of government oversight and reporting requirements with which public transportation agencies must constantly comply.

Slifko said he also got to see Morley lead the entire 150-employee organization at times over the past summer, as the organization began to prepare for Lucey-Noll’s previously announced departure.

Morley showed herself to be a “unifying force,” he added.

“She’s a team-builder — a calm, steady leader,” he said, who’s helped guide the organization through sometimes “challenging times.”

‘Next chapter’

Morley said she recognizes both CamTran’s challenges and opportunities — and, just as importantly, the valuable role that public transportation routinely plays in thousands of area residents’ and visitors’ lives.

She said she takes a listen and learn, then lead approach.

“CamTran is an essential part of this region, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the authority into its next chapter,” she said, adding that she’ll be taking over an organization that already has a strong foundation.

“By listening to our employees and riders, strengthening our partnerships and making thoughtful improvements, we can continue to build a transit system that our community trusts and relies on.”

Morley joined CamTran 12 years ago as a seasoned accountant after working eight years prior in the same field for a private-sector manufacturing firm, she said.

Over that time, she rose to become CamTran’s assistant controller, grants manager, controller, and in 2022 its chief financial officer.

“I know this organization ... and understand its people, finances and challenges firsthand,” she said.

Morley said a search to fill her soon-to-be-vacated CFO position will get underway shortly.

Questions, criticism

CamTran has faced local criticism over the past several years for a now nearly $19 million Johnstown Inclined Plane repair project that is several years behind schedule.

Pennsylvania’s public transportation system spending has been scrutinized statewide at times in recent years. And separately, Cambria County commissioners and some municipalities have also raised questions about the price tag for local support. The county allocates $1 million toward the authority annually.

Commissioner Keith Rager, who has voiced frustration over a series of Inclined Plane project delays, questioned CamTran’s strategy in searching for Lucey-Noll’s successor. Outside candidates should have been given a chance to apply, he said.

“It was never even advertised,” Rager said with a shrug. “Why not? They didn’t even accept (outside applications).”

John DeBartola, a recent county commissioner candidate and frequent CamTran critic who has often raised issues about authority spending and transparency, chastised the organization for what he said was failing to consider fresh perspectives.

After a five-year period in which the Incline project was often stalled and stymied by parts problems, inspection issues and other delays, the total cost has climbed by several million dollars, he said.

“And it’s not even open yet,” DeBartola added.

CamTran officials expressed hope that a final inspection next week on one final gate mechanism will clear the way for the project to reopen.

Hiring process, ‘partnership’

Regarding the hiring process, Slifko said the board identified two internal candidates early on whom it viewed as qualified for the role.

He said experience in the complex public transportation sector and CamTran’s own operations was viewed as a strong point from the beginning.

“We had a well-documented process,” he said, adding that the search committee took the job seriously. “And the board was willing to go externally, if it came to it.”

Lucey-Noll expressed confidence in Morley and said she was confident the move will mean a smooth transition.

“With every major project we’ve faced (in recent years), Kim’s been involved with all of them,” she said, adding that the upcoming downtown Transit Center project is no exception.

Lucey-Noll said she and Morley will continue to collaborate over the next five weeks to ensure the changeover is seamless for CamTran and the people the organization serves.

Morley thanked the board for their trust in her and said she looks forward to “making a difference” for riders and the community.

But she said she understands that with the transition, questions will be asked by staff, county officials and the community.

“I plan to strengthen those relationships (with county commissioners and municipalities) directly, as partnership is essential to what we do here,” Morley said.

To the authority’s 150-member staff, she said she plans to meet with them across every department in the months ahead.

“I’m not new to this organization, and I’m not coming in to upend what works,” she said. “I’m here to build on it together.”

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