The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Board of Commissioners met for the first time in 2023 in the MVTA Board Room at the Burnsville Bus Garage on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 4:30 p.m. In their first in-person meeting since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commissioners welcomed two new members, elected leadership, and learned more about the work MVTA is planning for in 2023.

Chair Kevin Burkart, Vice Chair Dan Kealey, and Secretary/Treasurer Jon Ulrich were returned to their positions unanimously, each serving their second consecutive one year term in their respective leadership position.

The board also welcomed two new commissioners: Savage City Councilor Stacy Crakes and Rosemount City Councilor Paul Essler. Crakes replaces retiring Commissioner Gene Abbott and was elected to the Savage City Council for the first time in November 2022 after serving on the Savage Planning Commission. Essler replaces Commissioner Bill Droste and has served on the Rosemount City Council since 2018.

The next MVTA Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 4:30 p.m. and will be held in the MVTA Board Room at the Burnsville Bus Garage. Agendas, schedule, and other board and governance information can be found at www.mvta.com/about.