MARTA Army Board of Directors
We hold monthly board meetings to discuss operations, finances, and future efforts.
Interested in joining the Organization and participating in Events, fundraisers, community cleanups, and research? Email us at Marta Army at: themartaarmy@gmail.com .
When and how did you get involved in MARTA Army?
During Summer 2015, I was contacted by MARTA Army's then "mastermind" Simon Berrebi. We discussed a project to post schedules at bus stops I was working on independently, named "TimelyTrip". At the time, the MARTA Army original leaders were looking for a launch initiative, and I thought joining forces would improve the chances for the bus stop schedule project to succeed, so I was admitted as a co-founder!
What projects have you been involved with in MARTA Army and what did you enjoy about working on them?
I maintain the software that powers MARTA Army's interactive maps and bus schedules and that supports Operations TimelyTrip and Bus Stop Census, almost a dream for transit computer nerds! As board treasurer, I make sure our spending stays in check, and I support initiatives that our other volunteers put together.
Share one of your favorite MARTA stories?
One morning, I ended up on the same bus to Alpharetta as 3 co-workers and 2 other acquaintances, it felt like a party! I love running into people I know while taking transit.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working or volunteering?
I have a black belt in aikido, play the piano, and enjoy riding the bike.
Why are you are part of MARTA Army?
While many enjoy speculating about MARTA expansions, MARTA Army really encourages hands-on action to promote and improve our present transit system. Much work remains just to do that, whether it is bus stop amenities, transfer coordination, customer service, and more.
BiNh Dam
Board Member since 2015
When and how did you get involved in MARTA Army?
I was at the beginning of the conversations about a group that searched for low-cost, quick fix solutions to many of MARTA's issues in 2014.
Share one of your favorite MARTA stories?
I remember being at Riverdale Town Center when the Clayton County MARTA vote passed in 2014. It was such a joyous occasion in celebration of one of many more victories in expanding public transit.
Why are you are part of MARTA Army?
I am a transit rider who wants to create a space for other transit riders to improve the lived experience of alternative transportation. I wouldn't trade this position for anything else in the world.
Bakari Height
Co-Founder and Board Member since 2015
My name is Brian Sumlin, and I am an Atlanta Resident in the district 12 in Southwest Atlanta. Being an Atlanta native and suburban experience in South Fulton neighborhoods such as Union City and Fairburn, I was able to graduate in 1999 from a North Fulton school North Springs with experience in College preparatory.
The next steps in my earlier career, was serving in the US Navy specializing in Engineering in numerous departments both ashore and abroad.
Returning home after tenure, I transitioned into Atlanta’s Hospitality industry with my portfolio primarily based in Downtown Atlanta in the hospitality and Property management sector and currently serving in.
After graduating in 2020 with a Bachelors degree in Engineering Technology from DeVry University, I begun to see interest in participating in the operations of neighborhoods and contribute into some community development to include engagement.
Brian Sumlin
Board Member since 2023
When and how did you get involved in MARTA Army?
I discovered MARTA Army on Twitter as I follow many transit oriented people and reached out to them as they were planning Transit Equity Day 2019. As a disabled person who relies on mass transportation, it was important to me that the disability narrative was also included in the equity conversation. Working with the team was magical. I felt so included and knew they were fighting the good fight to create change in Atlanta.
What projects have you been involved with in MARTA Army and what did you enjoy about working on them?
Transit Equity Day 2019 Getting to meet so many change advocates in the community who are also working day in and day out to bring equity to this city. Honoring Rosa Parks and those who came before me who fought for inclusion and representation in transportation. It was incredible to be able to share my story on that special day and am very thankful. MARTA Kudos 2020 We honor and thank the incredible and amazing transit operators that get us safely around the city. We handed out hot lunches to them at Lindberg Station and when seeing their smiling faces I knew they felt appreciated. My mom always taught me growing up that you have to gives thanks to the front line workers who are usually undervalued. They are the ones who are up the earliest and leave the latest. Operation Bus Stop Census 2020-2021 Rating and reviewing over 1000 bus stops on equity from accessibility, safety, cleanliness, lightning, and protection from the elements. Busses are the linchpin to the network and are often neglected. During the height of the pandemic, it was the best after work activity to do. We can complain all day about the inequities and poor quality of bus stops, and we turned complaints into an audit then a report to send to MARTA and other agencies to drive change. Transit Oriented Book Club 2021 I love moderating the small group discussions to learn from so many diverse perspectives in the community. They teach me about other agencies and the inner workings of how transportation works and how it comes back to racial and disability justice. Finally, to be empowered for when MARTA redesigns the bus network with the pros and cons of what makes a great bus network.
Share one of your favorite MARTA stories?
Not to dwell on the bad but most of my memorable MARTA stories are spent backtracking because the elevators are broken, the wheelchair accessible ticket gates being broken or not being able to access a bus stop because the grounds are inaccessible. These are the realities of a wheelchair user riding transit. For the good side, I joined the MARTA Rider's Committee in 2020 and working with that incredible team to drive change on these accessibility issues has been my favorite story. We are shaping what MARTA will be by 2040 and I couldn't ask for anything more.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working or volunteering?
LOL. I feel like my life's mission is to give back. I spend most days after work in a Board meeting, committee meeting, planning meeting...I truly do enjoy being in the know about what's going on in the City and speaking up for the disability community to ensure that we drive accessibility everywhere. Weekends are usually kept open to spend time with my family who lives here, wander outside at the parks and on the Beltline. There's so many new restaurants/bars opening up in the city and I love going and checking places out -- side note mainly because I want to rate it on accessibility ;) with iAccess Life. You can find me also playing with my cat Onion who I'm trying to turn into an adventure kitty, at concerts, or other events that happen in and around the city.
Why are you are part of MARTA Army?
I believe in creating an accessible world, and to get around the city people with disabilities rely on busses and trains. There's a long list of accessibility barriers with MARTA and MARTA Army is a small but mighty team of amazing volunteers who work to build and deliver transit equity for all. I'm so thankful to be on this team.
Carden Wyckoff
Board Member since 2021
Roark Sweidy Stata is a native of San Francisco, California. She attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, majoring in Economics and Political Science and minoring in Chinese. Currently, she lives in Atlanta and serves on the Board of Directors of MARTA Army, Inc., also working at BlackRock. Roark's passions include environmentalism, urbanism, equity, and books.
Roark Sweidy Stata
Board member since 2023
Donald Sizemore, a native of Central Florida and 2021 graduate of Florida State University with degrees in Real Estate, Economics, and Finance, embarked on his career in affordable housing development after graduation. He now works for a global real estate investment and management firm headquartered in Atlanta.After immersing himself in the urbanism community, Donald developed a deep passion for reimagining urban transit, fostering sustainable communities, and advocating for alternatives to car-centric living. Craving ways to get involved, he stumbled upon MARTA Army and was immediately drawn to its grassroots efforts. Now, as a member of the Board of Directors, Donald is committed to enhancing the transit experience throughout the Atlanta region.
DONALD SIZEMORE
Board member since 2023
Nick Mulkey is a veteran community/economic development professional with over 10 years of experience. He earned his B.S. in Public Policy with a concentration in Economic Development and Planning from Georgia State University. He is committed to advancing systems of equity and progressive urbanism here in Atlanta as he believes that this is the best way to improve society and ensure prosperity for all. In his spare time, he writes screenplays and is an avid gamer.
NICK MULKEY
Board member since 2023
Scott Morris is a "born n' bred" resident of Atlanta and lifelong MARTA user. He is a historian and environmental planner with experience in transportation planning. Scott enjoys helping communities document and interpret their significant historic resources.
SCOTT MORRIS
Board member since 2023
Tyler Logan is from Atlanta and has been a lifelong fan of MARTA. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia College & State University. Professionally Tyler works for McLean Engineering supporting rural electric utilities across the country. In his free time Tyler enjoys running and cycling around Atlanta and the greater metro area.
TYLER LOGAN
Board member since 2023