MVTA Board Elects Jay Whiting as Chair, Honors Outgoing Chair Dan Kealey
Dan Kealey, at left, receives a recognition plaque from incoming MVTA Board Chair Jay Whiting at the January meeting of the MVTA Board of Commissioners.
Published: February 4, 2026.
DAKOTA & SCOTT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA - The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Board of Commissioners selected new leadership during its January 28, 2026, meeting, marking a transition that highlights both continuity and momentum for the south metro transit agency.
After completing two years as board chair, Dan Kealey concluded his term. The Board unanimously elected Jay Whiting to serve as MVTA Board Chair for 2026.
“It’s been the honor of my professional life to serve as board chair,” Kealey said. “Together, we expanded services, strengthened partnerships, improved governance, and positioned MVTA to better serve transit riders and communities across the south metro.”
Kealey’s tenure and accomplishments
Kealey has served on the MVTA Board of Commissioners since 2010 and previously served as vice chair from 2022 to 2023. During his tenure as chair, the agency expanded service options, rolled out new digital tools, strengthened regional partnerships, and launched targeted programs to support underserved communities. The Board also implemented tighter financial controls, increased transparency, and fostered a more collaborative governance culture.
Beyond his work with MVTA, Kealey was recently elected to the National League of Cities Board of Directors and appointed to its Executive Committee for 2026, something Limitless Media News previously reported on: Burnsville Councilmember Dan Kealey Elected to National League of Cities Board, Appointed to Executive Committee.
MVTA also recorded notable ridership growth during Kealey’s leadership. Total ridership reached 1,538,182 trips in 2025, a 7.8 percent increase compared to 2024, reflecting increased demand across both fixed-route and on-demand services.
“MVTA’s ridership growth is a direct result of focusing on what our customers need and how they travel today,” Kealey noted.
New leadership for 2026
Whiting, who has served on the MVTA Board since 2017 and was vice chair in 2025, brings extensive local government experience to the role. He has been a Shakopee City Councilor since 2012 and currently serves as chair of the city’s Economic Development Authority.
“The leadership of outgoing Chair Dan Kealey has put MVTA in a strong position moving forward,” Whiting said. “His experience, transit expertise, and commitment to public service have served the agency and our communities extremely well.”
Looking ahead, Whiting said his focus will be on maintaining efficient and responsible transit services that reflect community needs. “I look forward to continuing MVTA’s work to provide efficient, responsible public transportation that meets the needs of south metro residents,” he said. “Our governance model ensures we remain responsive to the communities we serve.”
In addition to Whiting’s election as chair, the Board selected Mary Hamann-Roland as vice chair and Paul Essler as secretary/treasurer.
Regional representation
The MVTA Board of Commissioners includes representatives from Dakota County and the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, and Rosemount, as well as Scott County and the cities of Prior Lake, Savage, and Shakopee.
Additional information about MVTA services and governance is available at mvta.com.
Written by: Will Wight
Photos provided by: MVTA
