Collie Greenwood, CEO of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), resigned on July 17, 2025, after his work permit expired. Greenwood, a Canadian citizen, remains in the United States 🇺🇸 legally while waiting for his US Green Card, but the delay in receiving permanent residency forced him to step down. His story highlights a growing crisis in the US immigration system, where backlogs and slow processing times are disrupting the lives and careers of even the most accomplished professionals.
A Sudden Leadership Change at MARTA
Greenwood’s resignation came after his Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly called a work permit, expired on June 18, 2025. Even though he still holds a valid visa and is legally present in the United States 🇺🇸, the law does not allow him to work without a current EAD. MARTA’s board quickly appointed Rhonda Allen, the agency’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, as acting CEO and general manager while they begin a national search for Greenwood’s permanent replacement.
MARTA’s statement made it clear that Greenwood’s departure was not due to any performance issue but was a direct result of the US Green Card process delays. The agency described the immigration process as “extensive” and said it had affected Greenwood’s personal and professional progress. They also confirmed that Greenwood remains in the country legally and will receive the balance of his contract and severance as outlined in his employment agreement.
Greenwood’s Remarkable Career Journey
Greenwood’s story is one of hard work and steady progress. He began his career as a bus driver in Canada 🇨🇦 more than 35 years ago. Over time, he moved up through the ranks at the Toronto Transit Commission, eventually reaching executive leadership. In 2019, he joined MARTA as head of bus operations and urban planning. Just three years later, in January 2022, he was named CEO.
During his time at MARTA, Greenwood led the agency through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, stabilized its finances, and prepared for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Atlanta will host several matches. Under his leadership, MARTA was named the American Public Transit Association’s Agency of the Year, achieved a AAA bond rating, and advanced major projects, including the region’s first bus rapid transit line and a systemwide rail station upgrade. Greenwood’s work earned him a spot on Atlanta Magazine’s “Atlanta 500” and Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” in 2024.
How Immigration Delays Disrupt Leadership
Greenwood’s resignation is not an isolated case. Across the United States 🇺🇸, senior professionals in many fields—including transit, technology, and business—are being forced to leave their jobs because of delays in the US Green Card process and work permit renewals. These delays are not just personal setbacks; they are causing real problems for organizations that depend on experienced leaders to guide them through important projects and changes.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported a record 11.3 million pending immigration cases in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. This is an increase of 1.6 million cases from the previous quarter. At the same time, the number of completed cases dropped by 18% compared to the previous year. These numbers show just how serious the backlog has become.
Greenwood’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expired
Greenwood resigned from MARTA
Greenwood was named CEO of MARTA
Atlanta to host FIFA World Cup matches
USCIS reported 11.3 million pending immigration cases
When a work permit expires, even if the person has a valid visa and is legally in the country, they must stop working immediately. This is what happened to Greenwood. As soon as his EAD expired, he notified the MARTA board and executive team, stopped working, and handed over his duties to Rhonda Allen. He is now waiting for his US Green Card to be approved, which would allow him to work again.
What Happens When a Work Permit Expires?
For professionals like Greenwood, the process is clear but strict:
- EAD Expiration: When the work permit expires, the person must stop all work activities, even if they have another valid visa.
- Notification: The person should tell their employer right away and, if needed, officially hand over their responsibilities.
- Legal Status: If the person has another valid visa, they can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 but cannot work until they get new work authorization.
- Awaiting Green Card: Once the US Green Card is approved, the person can return to work.
- Employer Actions: The employer may need to appoint an interim leader and start looking for a permanent replacement if the delay is expected to last.
You can find more details about work permits and green card processing on the USCIS official website.
Industry-Wide Impact and Growing Concerns
Greenwood’s resignation is part of a larger trend. As reported by VisaVerge.com, more and more senior professionals are being forced to step down from their positions because of immigration delays. This is causing instability in both public and private organizations. When experienced leaders leave suddenly, it can disrupt important projects, slow down progress, and create uncertainty for employees and the public.
In the transit industry, the loss of leaders like Greenwood is especially risky. Public transit agencies are working hard to recover from the pandemic, expand services, and prepare for major events. Losing a CEO in the middle of these efforts can make it harder to keep projects on track and meet community needs.
Stakeholder Reactions and Community Response
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and MARTA Board Chair Jennifer Ide both thanked Greenwood for his service and leadership. They promised that the city and MARTA would continue to focus on improving transit and making it more fair for everyone. Some people see Greenwood’s departure as a chance for MARTA to make big changes, while others worry about losing a respected leader at such an important time.
The MARTA board has said it will pay out the rest of Greenwood’s contract and severance, as required. Rhonda Allen, who has worked at MARTA for 25 years, is now leading the agency while the board searches for a new CEO.
Why Are Green Card Delays Getting Worse?
Immigration attorneys and policy experts say the backlog is caused by several factors:
- Increased Scrutiny: More careful checks and reviews of applications slow down the process.
- Procedural Slowdowns: Changes in rules and steps add to the wait time.
- Resource Constraints: Not enough staff or funding at USCIS to handle the growing number of cases.
Unless Congress and the administration take action to fix the system, experts warn that more organizations will face similar problems. The delays are not just hurting individuals—they are putting the stability and future of important public services at risk.
What Can Be Done?
There is growing pressure from business and civic leaders for lawmakers to address the green card backlog and make it easier for critical workers to renew their work permits. Some possible solutions include:
- Streamlining Renewals: Making it faster and simpler to renew work permits for people waiting for their US Green Card.
- Increasing Resources: Giving USCIS more staff and funding to process cases more quickly.
- Policy Changes: Updating rules to allow key workers to keep working while their green card applications are pending.
These changes could help prevent more cases like Greenwood’s and keep experienced leaders in their roles.
MARTA’s Next Steps
With Greenwood’s resignation, MARTA’s board has started the process of finding a new CEO. Rhonda Allen will continue as acting CEO and general manager until a permanent replacement is chosen. The board plans to form a committee to lead the search and will look for candidates from across the country.
During this transition, MARTA will need to keep moving forward with its major projects, including preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and ongoing improvements to bus and rail services. The agency’s ability to stay on track will depend on strong leadership and support from the board, city officials, and the community.
Advice for Others Facing Similar Immigration Challenges
If you or someone you know is in a similar situation—waiting for a US Green Card while working in the United States 🇺🇸—it’s important to understand the rules and steps involved:
- Track Your Work Permit Expiration: Know when your EAD expires and apply for renewal as early as possible.
- Communicate with Your Employer: Let your employer know about your immigration status and any possible delays.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you face delays or problems, talk to a qualified immigration attorney for help.
- Stay Informed: Check the USCIS website for updates on your case and any changes to the process.
Employers should also be prepared for possible disruptions and have plans in place to handle leadership changes if key staff are affected by immigration delays.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Reform
Greenwood’s case is a clear example of how immigration delays can have far-reaching effects. It shows that even people who have lived and worked legally in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years are not immune to the problems caused by backlogs and slow processing times. As more organizations face similar challenges, the call for reform is growing louder.
Business and civic leaders are urging Congress and the administration to take action. They want to see the green card backlog reduced and the work permit renewal process improved, especially for people in critical roles. Without these changes, the United States 🇺🇸 risks losing talented leaders and falling behind in important areas like public transit, technology, and healthcare.
Conclusion: A System Under Strain
The resignation of MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood is a warning sign for the US immigration system. Delays in the US Green Card process are not just personal setbacks—they are causing real problems for organizations and communities across the country. As more professionals face work permit expirations and uncertain futures, the need for practical solutions becomes more urgent.
For now, MARTA moves forward under interim leadership, but the agency—and many others—will be watching closely to see if lawmakers and immigration officials can deliver the changes needed to keep talented leaders on the job and vital services running smoothly.
For more information on work permits, green cards, and immigration case status, visit the USCIS official website. For updates on MARTA leadership and projects, check itsmarta.com. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that unless reforms are made soon, more organizations may face similar disruptions, making this not just a personal issue but a national concern.
Learn Today
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A document granting temporary permission to work legally in the United States.
US Green Card → Official permanent resident status allowing immigrants to live and work indefinitely in the US.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency handling immigration applications and cases.
Work Permit Renewal → The process of extending an Employment Authorization Document to continue working legally.
Backlog → A large number of immigration cases pending processing, causing significant delays for applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
Collie Greenwood resigned as MARTA CEO due to his expired work permit amid massive US green card delays disrupting careers nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
