By Ellie Ritter, contributor 

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has officially named Shelton Goode as executive director of diversity and inclusion. Goode previously served as director of diversity and inclusion at Oshkosh Corporation and holds more than 20 years of experience in the field, according to a MARTA press release.

“Dr. Goode has a proven track record of leading diversity and inclusion programs for major companies while creating robust training and successful outreach programs within global organizations,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Keith Parker said. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Goode to MARTA as we actively work to expand our diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

Goode has a wide range of experience under his belt. According to the release, Goode has worked in various human resources and diversity roles with Georgia Power, Alabama Power and PPL Services Corporation, in addition to being a decorated Air Force veteran. He’s also authored three books and taught as an adjunct professor at Georgia Military College and Troy University.

Goode, who received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University, master’s degree from Troy University and doctorate from the University of Alabama, has received national recognition for his work, including the 2012 Trailblazer Award by the National Association of African Americans in Human Recourses and the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Technology Association of Georgia. In 2016, he was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin” by Madison 365.

Goode’s duties will include implementing diversity and inclusion strategies and equal employment opportunity programs, the release said. In order to focus on inclusion, he will also work with MARTA’s key collaborators to “ensure equitable and nondiscriminatory practices are upheld.”

“My hope is that by working with MARTA’s executive leadership team we can raise the diversity and inclusion bar, not only for our organization but for the entire metropolitan business community,” Goode said. “By applying best known actions and programs, we will help create a more inclusive environment for current and potential employees, customers, communities, businesses, and stakeholders to develop an environment that will encourage all of us to bring our greatest talents, perspectives, and experiences to the workplace.”