Executive Director Mark Cordes Stepping Down

Mark Cordes is stepping down as our executive director after almost a year of speaking up for social justice and equity in transit planning, policy, and service. Mark worked closely with staff to see the organization through the challenges of a global pandemic, supported by our members and volunteers. He leaves in place infrastructure developed with staff to enable SFTR to grow its impact for transit riders.

Mark has been called back to active ministry at the request of his denomination, with an opportunity to work for equity, justice, and sustainability in a community outside the Bay Area.

“I have been honored to lead San Francisco Transit Riders as we worked hard to save public transit through advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels,” says Mark. “It was the work of our team and our national partners, including lifting up riders’ stories, that ensured the passage of not one but two federal relief bills with support for public transit.

“I am really proud of how SFTR has championed the needs of riders as we navigate COVID and seek to rebuild a strong Muni for tomorrow and beyond. I am sad to be leaving such terrific, dedicated staff and membership with their focus on equity and the long term health and stability of public transit. I wish SFTR the very best and will continue to be a member and financial supporter of all that you do.”

Over the past year, SFTR has supported transit drivers and riders with our Masks for Muni campaign, built broad local support for transit recovery leading up to and through our annual Transit Week, joined the national movement for federal transit funding for transit, performed a survey of over 300 riders through direct outreach, and have won several key transit improvements by growing our membership engagement in community meetings and making public comment.

“We knew we brought on a valuable leader with Mark,” says SFTR board co-chair Dominique Monie. “We’re sorry to see him go, and we thank him for his contributions to our work and growth. He has been a strong voice for justice and equity.”

Cat, Zack, Eric, B Rod, and Sarah continue to amplify the riders’ voice. Member-led groups we launched during the pandemic are developing rider-based policies and campaigns. Our community organizers are working with riders in the Tenderloin, SOMA, Mission, and Excelsior. We're organizing around a vision to rebuild Muni - not to just be what it was before the pandemic, but to grow into the transit system we need and riders want.

We're assessing the short-term needs of the organization while beginning the search for our next executive director. We're establishing a search committee which will involve members, staff, and organizers. Members interested in providing input on the executive director search, please let us know. We also welcome any member's feedback on people they know who would be great executive directors.

Email [email protected] if you or someone you know are interested in this exciting position.

We look forward to building the next chapter of public transit, and the next chapter of San Francisco Transit Riders.

Best,
Dominique, Thea, Steve, Mike, Peter, Camille, and Serena