SCCTD Managing Director Recognized as “Person to Know in SW Illinois”

Ken Sharkey, Managing Director of the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), was recently recognized in the category “People to Know in Southwest Illinois” by the St. Louis Small Business Monthly publication. Ken was interviewed for the piece and had the opportunity to share a bit about his background which led him to SCCTD and offer advice for other professionals in Southwest Illinois. Keep reading for Ken’s interview responses.

What best advice would you share with business owners in Southern Illinois?

Always act with integrity. Companies that thrive for decades and beyond the original founders, deliver services and products with high levels of honesty and moral principles.

What’s your favorite place in Southern Illinois?

Any place with a forest featuring birds and other wildlife. Southern Illinois offers numerous timbered areas, each with its own special offerings.

What do you believe the future of the business community in Southern Illinois looks like?

Economic activity is heavily dependent on a robust transportation network for business expansion. Earlier civilizations were dependent on waterways for commerce. Later railroads became a vital link to connect people for travel and increase capability to transport goods. Street cars connected urban areas as cities expanded within a defined region. Airports expanded travel for persons and cargo. Public transit alleviates pressure on maintaining infrastructure while providing an economical mode of transportation. A multi-modal transportation system provides for a growing population, which is the basic metric of a healthy business community. The region is well positioned for continued success.

What led you to your industry?

My career experiences have included time in both government and private sectors. The combination of these past professional positions made me a natural fit for leading a transit agency as it too involves serving others, while being financially prudent in stewardship with private and public money.

Interested in hearing more from Ken? Subscribe to the SCCTD’s quarterly newsletter, The SCCTD Connection: Ride. Bike. Connect. which is delivered to email inboxes on a quarterly basis and includes the latest transit and trails news from the St. Clair County Transit District.