June 2018 – Transit Managers’ and Supervisors’ Association

The bylaws have passed!

Congratulations to the By Law Committee on the hard work they did in rewriting the bylaws. Paul S., Crystal W., Tabin H., Sarah J., Michael H., and Anthony Z. worked over 40 hours each trying to put together bylaws that were intelligently written and clear. They are now posted on this website.

The final vote count was:
Approve: 174 (61.5%)
Reject: 5 (1.8%)
Abstain: 104 (36.7%)

Chris Haefner
President
TMSA

How many years have you worked at Metro Transit?
I have been with Metro Transit just under five months. During this time, I’ve focused on learning the system, supporting my team, and building strong relationships with operators and staff. Before joining, I worked in truck and heavy rail operations, where freight demanded precision, efficiency, and constant problem-solving. Transitioning to Metro Transit has been rewarding. The public sector offers a positive, collaborative environment with more predictable schedules and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. It allows me to apply my operational experience while leading a team focused on safety, reliability, and high-quality service. I can make decisions, set standards, and drive performance, while supporting operators and staff to succeed.
Current position, what do you do – what do you enjoy most about it?
I am an Assistant Transportation Manager at Nicollet Garage. I oversee daily operations, coordinate schedules, and support operators and dispatch staff to ensure bus service runs safely and on time. What I enjoy most is being hands-on—solving issues, supporting operators, and keeping the garage running smoothly. Every day brings new challenges, and I appreciate the opportunity to make a tangible impact on both operations and the team.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work, I stay active and explore the city. Cycling and skiing keep me moving, while café hopping and architecture tours provide new perspectives on the Twin Cities. I also spend time studying maps and history, and recently I have been learning to cook more complex dishes.
Favorite band, music and/or food?!
I gravitate toward older electronic, blues, rock, and hip-hop—artists with depth and lasting influence. For food, I particularly enjoy Thai cuisine, with Massaman curry at the top of the list.