EMBARK Appoints Kharlie Barnaby Assistant Director of Operations

October 16, 2025

EMBARK, Oklahoma City’s Public Transit agency, has named Kharlie Barnaby Assistant Director of Operations. Barnaby, who previously served as EMBARK’s Chief of Bus Operations, officially moved into the new role on September 26, 2025.

"Kharlie has consistently demonstrated the exceptional leadership and deep commitment we value at EMBARK”, said Jesse Rush, EMBARK Director of Public Transportation and Parking. “His track record speaks for itself, from helping us launch the OKC Streetcar program in 2018 to successfully establishing our Safety Management System. Promoting Kharlie to Assistant Director of Operations is a recognition of his significant past contributions and his crucial role in leading our team forward into the future."

In his new position as Assistant Director of Operations, Barnaby will be responsible for leading and managing bus operations, OKC Streetcar, Oklahoma River Cruises, paratransit and mobility programs, and maintenance. His oversight will also extend to safety, security, and training programs.

Barnaby’s tenure with EMBARK has been marked by significant milestones, including the establishment and implementation of RAPID NW – the region’s first bus rapid transit service, which launched in December 2023. He also assisted in transitioning to the new State Safety Oversight federal regulations and helped execute EMBARK’s Safety Management Systems program. His tenure in public transit has seen many roles over the last 25 years, including operations dispatcher, superintendent of Streetcar maintenance, Streetcar safety manager and Streetcar general manager.

“I am honored and excited to step into the role of EMBARK’s Assistant Director of Operations,” said Barnaby. “I look forward to building on the successful foundation we’ve already established. I am committed to EMBARK’s mission to provide world-class transit services for Oklahoma City and eager to continue to serve our community and drive further operational excellence.”

Barnaby is a World Safety Organization (WSO) Certified Safety Manager (CSM) and holds certificates for the Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSM) and the Public Transportation Safety Certification Program (PTSCP).

For more information about EMBARK’s leadership, visit https://www.embarkok.com/leadership.