FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

February 21, 2024


MEDIA ALERT

CONTACT: KQ Communications

[email protected]

[email protected]


MATA Announces New Chairman and Appointment to Board of Commissioners  

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is pleased to announce Michael Fulton as the new board of commissioners’ chairman and the appointment of Courtney McNeal as a new board commissioner. MATA wants to thank Memphis Mayor Paul Young for leading the appointment process.


“Our Board of Commissioners is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to enhancing mobility options for the Greater Memphis community,” said Bacarra S. Mauldin, Interim CEO of MATA. “We are excited to leverage Michael and Courtney's talent, expertise, and energy into furthering our path forward and to help strategically guide the agency.” 


"Creating a strong public transportation system is a key factor in our city's ability to attract talent and industry; Memphis can’t be competitive without investing in this crucial infrastructure," said Memphis Mayor Paul Young. "The MATA board has a big job to do and I am excited about the expertise and energy both of these board members bring to the table."


About Michael Fulton 

Michael Fulton is the Director of Government Affairs and Business Development for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA). He is responsible for the overall leadership of MSCAA’s Business Diversity Development (BDD) functions, which are designed to increase opportunities for minority-owned, woman-owned, and local small businesses. Fulton is also responsible for managing the governmental affairs functions for the airport, maintaining relationships with government officials or their key staff, and providing oversight of local, state, and federal initiatives.  


Fulton has more than 14 years of experience in government and government affairs, including serving as Senior Legislative Assistant for U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen. As the Congressman’s primary advisor on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee work, Fulton provided strategic guidance on aviation, highway, transit, and rail policy. 


He is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Political Science.  


About Courtney McNeal  

Courtney McNeal is a native Memphian who not only understands but has experienced many barriers that impact the quality of life for her fellow citizens. As Chief of Staff and City Innovation Director at Innovate Memphis, her work enables her to focus on social equity while conducting her personal mission of helping and loving the people of her amazing hometown.


Her work around transit includes assisting leading with Memphis 3.0 Transit Vision outreach and community engagement, piloting various programs and initiatives, such as Innovate Memphis’ Transit Academy, as well as managing the organization’s mobility management program, known as 901 Ride Choice.


Courtney has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Memphis, where she was also a graduate fellow in the Housing and Community Development Research Program. She is certified in Nonprofit Management and Leadership by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance of Kansas City and has a graduate certificate in Philanthropy Leadership at the University of Memphis. She is currently serving as Transportation and Infrastructure Co-Chair on the City of Memphis Mayor Young’s transition team. Courtney is also a member of the Junior League of Memphis where she serves as the Annual Fund Chair, and she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.  


###

ABOUT MATA 

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is the public transportation provider for the Memphis area. As one of the largest transit operators in the state of Tennessee, MATA transports customers in the City of Memphis and parts of Shelby County on fixed-route buses, paratransit vehicles, and vintage rail trolleys.