Kenneth A. McDonald , President and CEO of Long Beach Transit

Long Beach, CA – The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has named Kenneth A. McDonald, President and CEO of Long Beach Transit (LBT), as its 2025 Outstanding Public Transportation CEO. This award recognizes the North American public transportation executive of the year.  

Under his 12-year tenure as President and CEO, the agency has emerged as a leader in environmental sustainability, customer service, service delivery, and innovative approaches. From pioneering the transition to a zero-emission fleet, implementing activity-based budgeting, and strengthening workforce development, he has positioned the agency as a model for efficient, community-focused transit. Moreover, with tenacity and strategic foresight, McDonald expanded LBT’s revenue portfolio by procuring administrative office space and converting the property into a long-term, sustainable source of operating revenue for the agency. 

He has been an active APTA member as well as a valued leader, contributing to key committees, offering thoughtful leadership at national forums, and advocating for equitable, high-performing transit systems. 

“Being recognized by APTA is truly an honor,” said President and CEO Kenneth A. McDonald. “This award is not just mine; it’s also reflective of the incredible teams I’ve worked with throughout my career. This is a testament to the power of collaboration and what can be achieved when innovation is embraced to drive new approaches to operational safety, personal security, service quality, and efficiency.” 

McDonald’s leadership has resulted in numerous industry recognitions for the agency, including APTA’s National Safety Award, the Green Partners CleanTech Award, the California Transportation Foundation’s Bus Transit Project of the Year Award, and the Clean Air Initiative’s Environmental Stewardship Award.  

For more information about the APTA Awards and this year’s recipients, visit www.apta.com. 

About Long Beach Transit

Long Beach Transit is dedicated to connecting communities and moving people, making everyday life better by providing transportation services in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, as well as Artesia, Bellflower, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Norwalk, Paramount and Seal Beach. For more information, visit ridelbt.com.