Lynx CEO resigns amid talk of expected major budget deficit

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - The Central Florida Transit Authority unanimously voted in favor of accepting Lynx CEO Edward L. Johnson’s resignation and his severance packed.  

Johnson has been CEO of Lynx for the last three years.  He hs recently been under fire for burning into the organization’s reserve funds.  Things started getting even hotter after it was discovered that Lynx could be in big financial trouble by the end of the fiscal year.  

“The possible 21 million dollar short fall is something that came from the internal at Lynx. It's a worst case scenario.  Lynx has taken certain precautions to help that from occurring,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who serves on the CFRTA.

Ismael Rivera, President of Lynx Bus Driver’s Union says he’s been calling for Johnson’s resignation for months.

“It's kind of a disaster. It's been a long time coming,” said Rivera.

Johnson’s resignation is effective immediately.  Mayor Demings offered up the county’s long time Senior Transportation Advisor to serve as the interim to the interim CEO.  The board unanimously approved Jim Harrison.

“We need to create some stability as we move forward into the coming months and years and that's my goal right now,” said Harrison.  

He is stepping in, knowing he needs to find a way to stop the short fall from adding up to that $21-million worst case scenario.  

“We will certainly start that deep dive into the finances,” Harrison said.