Chatham Area Transit CEO Faye DiMassimo resigns to take post with City of Savannah

Source: News Reports

Faye DiMassimo

SAVANNAH, GA. — Faye DiMassimo has resigned as executive director and CEO of Chatham Area Transit (CAT) in Savannah, Ga., effective June 3 to accept a newly created position with the City of Savannah.

DiMassimo, who joined CAT in February 2022, will become the city's Chief of Planning and Economic Development on June 17 and will oversee seven departments, including Development Services; Economic Development; Mobility and Parking Services; Planning and Urban Design; Special Events, Film & Tourism; Sustainability; and Transportation Services.

In a statement, CAT board chair Deidrick Cody said he was informed on May 6 that DiMassimo had resigned. He praised her work, saying she helped "bring CAT back from a global pandemic by adding new fixed routes and paratransit buses, balancing the budget while building CAT’s reserves, and improving the rider experience."

Cody said the board will come together in the coming days to discuss next steps, from making an interim appointment to launching a search for a new CEO.

Joseph Melder, Savannah's city manager, said he's excited to welcome DiMassimo to the city's executive staff. "I have every confidence that she will continue to make bold, lasting impacts in Savannah," he said. "I firmly believe the decisions we will make in the next five years regarding coordinated planning, land use, infrastructure, and economic opportunity for all will define our region for the next 100 years."

DiMassimo has more than 40 years of experience with federal, regional and local public entities, as well as the private sector. She holds a bachelor's degree in public administration and a masters of community planning and public administration from Auburn University. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP).

Daily News Briefing