FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2021
MARTA HIRES NEW LEGAL
DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP
Longtime Legal Counsel to
Retire, Chief & Deputy Chief Legal Counsel Named
ATLANTA –
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Chief Legal Counsel
Elizabeth M. O’Neill has announced her retirement after 22 years and will be
succeeded by Peter J. Andrews from global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP on
Jan. 1, 2022. MARTA Senior Director of Corporate Law Jonathan J. Hunt will work
with Andrews as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.
“Liz has been a
tremendous asset to MARTA over the past two decades, previously serving as
associate counsel, Chief of Litigation, and interim General Manager,” said
GM/CEO Jeffrey Parker. “Her legal expertise and guidance were crucial when
expanding our service to Clayton County and in the passage of the 15th
amendment. Most recently, she has been instrumental in navigating the legality
of COVID-19 restrictions and requirements. She is a trusted colleague and
friend and I wish her the best in her retirement.”
O’Neill’s
successor Peter Andrews has 20 years of legal experience, representing clients
in the areas of government law, state and local government contracts and
procurement, public transportation, public-private partnerships, request for
proposal (RFP) compliance, and public finance. As a former Deputy City Attorney
for Atlanta he negotiated agreements with MARTA and the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) to build the Atlanta Streetcar. Andrews studied political
science at Delaware State University and received his Juris Doctor degree from
Western New England College of Law.
“Efficient and
accessible transportation will continue to be critical for the transformation
of the Atlanta metro area. As such, MARTA plays such a vital role in our
community. Representing MARTA is a source of pride for me and I am thankful for
this is a unique and exciting opportunity,” Andrews said.
“As a firm and
personally, we will miss Peter, however, we understand and share in his
excitement at joining an agency as committed to Atlanta as we are,” said
Greenberg Traurig President Ernest L. Greer. “We look forward to continuing to
have great lawyers like him as members of our exceptional economic development
practice who thrive in our historically collaborative culture.”
A member of
MARTA’s Legal Department for seven years, Jonathan Hunt will assume the
position of Deputy Chief Legal Counsel and report directly to Andrews. His
experience includes employment with the City of Atlanta, Dentons US LLP,
Limited Brands Inc., and BakerHostetler. Hunt earned his Juris Doctor degree
from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio.
Andrews was hired
after an extensive industry search that resulted in a competitive recruitment
and selection process. He will transition into the role over the next three
months and begin serving full-time as Chief Legal Counsel after the first of
the year, reporting directly to the General Manager and CEO.
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