Robbie Makinen
Kansas City
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, driving strategic initiatives in transportation policy and community engagement. Recognized for spearheading the launch of Bus Rapid Transit lines and implementing a Zero Fare Strategy, enhancing equitable access. Skilled in stakeholder collaboration and brand development, fostering regional identity and growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
President & Chief Executive Officer
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)
Kansas City
03.2015 - 07.2022
- Led bi-state regional transportation authority managing budget exceeding $100 million and 750 employees.
- Championed original mandate of Bi-state Compact, transforming KCATA from local bus company to regional authority.
- Established RideKC brand through consensus building among five municipalities, enhancing regional identity.
- Spearheaded launches of Kansas City’s three Bus Rapid Transit lines, ensuring extensive community engagement.
- Collaborated with lawmakers to secure permanent ½-cent transportation sales tax in Kansas City.
- Achieved recognition as Mid-Size Agency of the Year by American Public Transportation Association in 2022.
- Directed pandemic response initiatives, maintaining ridership at 58% compared to national average of 20% in 2020.
- Implemented Zero Fare Strategy, promoting equitable access to public transit while suspending fares systemwide during pandemic.
Senior Advisor | Director of Government Affairs | Economic Development Director
Jackson County Government
Kansas City
01.2008 - 03.2015
- Worked as economic development director for the Jackson County Executive where my unique skills in building relationships were quickly realized.
- Promoted to director of government relations, then to senior advisor.
Skills
- Transportation policy
- Community engagement
- Brand development
- Government relations
- Economic development
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- Consulting
- Problem solving
Affiliations
- Missouri Public Transit Association, Vice Chair
- Board Member Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired
- Board Member Urban League of Kansas City
- Jackson County Mental Health Levy Board Member
- Eitas – Board for Developmentally Disabled
- Truman Medical Center Board
- Boy Scouts Heart of America Council Board
Awards
- APTA North American Mid-size Agency of the Year – 2022
- Difference Maker of the Year Award, Urban League of Kansas City
- Regional Leadership Award, Mid-America Regional Council
- Innovation Award, KPTA
- Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting by Government Finance Officers Association, 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020.
- Award of Financial Reporting Achievement, GFOA, 2018, 2019, & 2020.
- APTA Gold Award for Security, 2016 & 2017
- APTA Gold Award for Safety, 2016
- National Institute for Construction Excellence, 3-Trails Transit Center, 2017
- 2017 National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
Social Media Video Links
- Https://youtu.be/ISk1E_GGZzc
- Https://youtu.be/Yul-V0gSbic
- Https://youtu.be/immefGKzdFw
Executive Profile
Award-winning public transit executive with over 15 years of public sector leadership experience. In sequential roles, first as Transit Board Chair and then as Chief Executive Officer, provided transformative leadership that produced nationally recognized impact on ridership and the customer experience. Proven track record of innovation and impact, to include successful launch of three bus rapid transit (BRT) lines; zero fare strategy; microtransit and on-demand services; public-private partnerships and dedicated funding through legislative advocacy. Strategic thinker with regional focus, seeking to extend the benefits of transit to the widest possible audience. Data driven and results oriented, with demonstrated proficiency in translating strategy into action., Unabashed passion for public service as a vital component of communities and economic prosperity. Highly effective communicator; charismatic and customer oriented; excels in public engagement. Empowering management style that allows team to innovate without fear of failure. Champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-titled 'blind visionary' after losing eyesight in 2013.
Timeline
President & Chief Executive Officer
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)
03.2015 - 07.2022
Senior Advisor | Director of Government Affairs | Economic Development Director
Jackson County Government
01.2008 - 03.2015