Atlanta mayor names permanent Transportation Department commissioner

Dickens said in a statement that he’s excited to welcome home Caviness, a fellow Southwest Atlanta native.

“Solomon shares our Administration’s vision for smarter, more efficient government that delivers transportation projects— large, small and in between — in a manner that ensures Atlanta is a more livable and more accessible city,” the mayor’s statement said.

Credit: Headshot via LinkedIn

Credit: Headshot via LinkedIn

Caviness is returning home after serving as the transportation department head of Middlesex County in New Brunswick, N.J. Prior to that role, he served as Special Projects Manager for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

“Atlanta holds a special place in my heart as it shaped my personal story, and this appointment is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Caviness said in a statement.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, MARTA congratulated Caviness and the Dickens administration for filling the ATLDOT’s top job.

“MARTA values its partnership with the City of Atlanta and looks forward to working with Caviness and the ATLDOT on delivering equitable transit projects that connect and enhance our City,” the statement said.

Dickens thanked Interim Commissioner Anderson-Bomar for her service to the city. She took over for Rowan years after former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appointed him to lead the department in 2019. It was created a few months earlier after Dickens proposed the idea as a councilman.

“When we needed a leader to oversee a smooth transition, Marsha stepped up to the plate,” Dickens said. “From readying our city for inclement weather to seeing through several capital projects, she is a vigorous leader and we are appreciative of all her contributions to Atlanta.”