Thaddeus Davenport Selected as Escambia County Mass Transit Director

Escambia County has selected Thaddeus Davenport to serve as the Mass Transit Director, overseeing Escambia County Area Transit and all public transportation operations for the Mass Transit Department. His selection was confirmed by the Board of County Commissioners during the Dec. 11 BCC meeting.

Davenport brings nearly two decades of industry experience to the role, with a proven track record of success in strategic transportation planning, policy development, and public engagement. His first day as director is Friday, Dec. 12.

Davenport joined Escambia County in April 2022 as the Deputy Mass Transit Director, where he led the planning, development, and implementation of transit services for Escambia County Area Transit and worked with the senior management team to develop recommendations and strategic plans for the department. He has served as the Escambia County Interim Mass Transit Director since November 2024.

His previous experience includes serving as Operations Manager for Loudoun County Transit in Leesburg, Virginia, Director of Paratransit Services for New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, Assistant General Manager for Concord Kannapolis Transit in North Carolina, and Safety, Security, and Employee Development Manager for Memphis Area Transit Authority.

"I'm excited to see Thaddeus in the permanent director role after making great strides for ECAT as interim director," County Administrator Wes Moreno said. "He has done great work leading the ECAT team over the last year, and I know he will continue to work hard to move ECAT forward. I'm thrilled that he has accepted this role, and I look forward to continuing our work together as we drive toward excellence."

As Mass Transit Director, Davenport will be responsible for managing Escambia County's public transportation system, including fixed routes, microtransit, ADA, and transportation disadvantaged routes. He will work with Escambia County leadership to develop short- and long-term plans for ECAT, including the design and construction of a new mass transit facility and the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles. Additional responsibilities include preparing recommendations for the Board of County Commissioners that support departmental operations, effectively managing ECAT's financial resources, and identifying and implementing new technologies and sustainable solutions to improve transit services.

"I'm honored to be chosen to lead the Mass Transit Department," Davenport said. "I'm sincerely grateful to the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, and ECAT's senior leadership team for their trust and confidence. I welcome the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with the board, our employees, agency partners, and the community. Together, we will continue advancing ECAT's role as a vital catalyst for county and regional mobility, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life."