ORLANDO, Fla. – Lynx announced the resignation of its CEO, Edward Johnson, during a board meeting Thursday. Johnson, who had held the position since 2016, said in his resignation letter that he is, "taking advantage of a new career challenge." However, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who sits on the Lynx board, said financial worries started mounting months ago.
"Lynx gave a worst-care scenario report and that report indicated that they could have as much as a $21 million shortfall," Demings said.
"It’s not a desirable position that any organization wants to be in a lot of debt. So we do have to have long-term conversations and strategies about how to adequately fund Lynx transportation." Demings said Lynx has been relying on reserve funds while working towards lowers its deficits.
On Thursday, the council approved three months' severance pay for Johnson.
Jim Harrison, a traffic administrator for Orange County, will be taking over as interim CEO. Harrison is a senior employee with the county whose goal is to balance the budget.