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San Francisco Muni Officials Select New Acting Chief

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has named its temporary replacement for outgoing chief Nathaniel Ford, who is scheduled to leave the position at the end of this week.

The vote to select Debra Johnson as the acting Executive Director was unanimous. She has served as one of Ford's top deputies.

MTA Board Member Malcolm Heinicke said that with Johnson in charge, there will be no management void at the top despite the departures of Ford and Muni Deputy Director Carter Rohan.

"There's no concern on this board. We have great confidence in you to be an excellent interim CEO," said Heinicke.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

Johnson was a key player in recent negotiations with Muni operators and said the agency has some bridge building to do.

"This is a great opportunity. I realize that this is a very challenging operating environment for our transportation system," said Johnson.

MTA Board President Tom Nolan was quick to offer his praise.

"We recognize talent and appreciate hard work, dedication and results," Nolan said. "She's got all of that for sure."

The agency has a search underway for a permanent chief and Johnson said she hasn't decided whether she'll apply for the job.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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