The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) had to let go of their Deputy CEO, Bacarra Mauldin, following an internal investigation that revealed inappropriate use of agency funds. According to a report from Local Memphis, Mauldin was found to have violated MATA’s Procurement and Travel Policy and did not enforce these standards among her direct reports. This breach of conduct prompted acting CEO John Lewis to make the decision, with the MATA board's support, to terminate her yesterday.
Earlier allegations surfaced regarding Mauldin's management of funds, which included expenditures on non-transit activities like spa visits and show tickets, as mentioned by Action News 5. Close to $150,000 of purchases made on MATA’s accounts were alleged to be non-business related while MATA was trying to correct a $60 million budget deficit, according to a MATA spokesperson who spoke to FOX13 Memphis. Mauldin was on administrative leave since earlier this month when these issues came to light, before her termination.
In a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis, MATA expressed its commitment "to transparency, accountability, and serving the city of Memphis with integrity." They emphasized the need to move forward to "ensure stability, restore trust, and continue providing safe, reliable, and equitable transit services for the people of Memphis." The agency also acknowledged the public interest, given Mauldin's senior role within the organization.
Prior to her role at MATA, Mauldin held the position of CEO at the Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia, handling a substantial budget and fleet until her discharge from the post after short six months on the job due to unnecessary legal fees racked up under her leadership. After joining MATA in July 2021 as Chief of Staff, Mauldin was promoted to Deputy CEO in January 2023 – a position she held until the recent developments that led to her firing, as reported by Action News 5.
