Columbia’s COMET bus system names interim executive director
Columbia’s bus system has named an interim executive director.
The COMET announced in a Monday release that Derrick Huggins, who has long served as a member of the bus system’s board, will be the interim director. The position was approved unanimously in a recent meeting. Huggins has worked in a number of transportation roles, including as the vice president of facilities and transportation at the University of South Carolina.
The COMET is a regional bus system that serves Richland County and parts of Lexington and Newberry counties. Its previous executive director, John Andoh, resigned in April to take another job. The organization’s Chief Operating Officer, Leroy DesChamps, subsequently agreed to be the interim director for a brief period of time.
“Public transportation has always been a connector which provides access in the community,” Huggins said in a statement. “My vision for The COMET is ensuring access to opportunities in education, increasing access to opportunities in employment, and partnering with local businesses to expand connections to new customers and workforce.”
Monday’s release said Huggins’ goal is “to positively impact access to healthcare, education and other quality of life aspirations for citizens of the Midlands while expanding opportunities for economic advancement.”
COMET spokeswoman Pamela Bynoe-Reed said DesChamps will remain with the organization in the chief operating officer role, and will work closely with Huggins during the transition.
Huggins begins in his new role Monday.
