A former MARTA executive has resigned as the head of Louisville, Ky.’s, transit agency amid claims of inappropriate sexual conduct.
Ferdinand Risco Jr., 48, resigned Wednesday from his post as executive director of the Transit Authority of River City, The Louisville Courier-Journal reported. The newspaper reported that six women have accused Risco of sending sexually suggestive messages and lewd photos to employees, inappropriate touching and linking sexual submission to opportunities for advancement.
Risco was MARTA’s director of diversity and inclusion from 2012 to 2017. He left to take the top job in Louisville.
At MARTA, Risco oversaw the agency’s equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights programs and policies. He also oversaw investigations of sexual harassment complaints.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reviewed Risco’s MARTA personnel file Thursday. It did not include accusations of sexual harassment or other misconduct.
An AJC investigation recently found that MARTA rejected almost all sexual harassment claims over a three-year period that included part of Risco's tenure at the agency. In response to the investigation, MARTA issued a statement saying the agency "takes all reports of sexual harassment seriously and each case is thoroughly investigated, with the help of outside resources if necessary."
MARTA declined to comment on Risco on Thursday.
Staff writer Johnny Edwards contributed to this article.
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