Dakin Hargest
Crystal,USA
Summary
Talented Transit Manager with expert team leadership, planning, and organizational skills built during successful career. Smoothly equip employees to independently handle daily functions and meet customer needs. Diligent trainer and mentor with exceptional management abilities and results-driven approach.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Transit Manager
Arrowhead Transit
02.2026 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient transit services across multiple routes.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Managed workforce scheduling to optimize resource allocation and minimize operational disruptions.
- Conducted training programs to develop staff capabilities and promote safety compliance.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to enhance public transportation accessibility and awareness.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
Parking and Transportation Supervisor
University of Minnesota
01.2022 - 08.2025
- Support student and non-student workers in providing exemplary service at University of Minnesota parking lots, ramps, and garages
- Manage the department’s union and non-union workforce
- Provide transit and transportation options to customer inquiries via phone, email, and in-person
- Establish operating rules and standards for the department
Customer Contact Center Representative
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Leveraged subject matter expertise in bonds and marketable securities to provide knowledge of financial products to brokerages and individual investors
- Represented Veteran and African American perspectives while serving on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee during my three year tenure at the Federal Reserve
Rail Transit Operations Supervisor
Los Angeles County Metro Transit Authority
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Supported rail operators in providing reliable, on time service to 11 million customers in Los Angeles County
- Coached operators, oversaw staff evaluation and recognition programs
- Performed safety training and emergency response training; Served as point of contact with city, county, and state emergency responders
- Served as incident commander for emergency rail incidents and accidents
Transit Control Supervisor and Acting Assistant Manager
Metro Transit
01.2000 - 01.2012
- Supported bus operators in providing reliable, on time service to customers in Ramsey and Washington Counties
- Coached operators, oversaw staff evaluation and recognition programs
- Performed safety training and emergency response training
- Served as point of contact with city, county, and state emergency responders and provided subject matter expertise in crisis emergency operations during the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 and the 35W bridge collapse in 2007
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN01-2023
Associates of Arts - Business
Normandale College
Bloomington, MN01-1995
Skills
- OSHA 30, CPR & First Aid
- 1000 Hours Heavy Equipment Operations
- MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, SMARTCOM, DVS, LETG
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Performance management
- Shift scheduling
- Schedule preparation
- Performance evaluations
- Negotiation
- Key performance indicators
- Emergency response
- Expectation setting
- Safety procedures
- Regulatory compliance
- Effective communication
- Problem resolution
- Positive attitude
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving
- Hiring and training
- Managing operations and efficiency
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 24 staff members.
- Collaborated with team of 4 in the development of Company Leadership & Communication.
- Used Both Hastus & Pingo transit software applications to provide accurate, real time data on bus/train locations & service performance.
- Used TimeStar & Sage to manage direct reports Benefits, Sick & Vacation times as well at Payroll.
- Maintained group 90+ Days free of accident since onboarding, targeted coaching & utilizing online driver training tools
Certification
- OSHA-30 -2014
- AED Training - 2026
- First Aid Training - 2026
- Passenger Assistance Training - 2026
AWARDS
Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Army Achievement Medal
MILITARY SERVICE
- Military Police, Minnesota Army National Guard, Fort Ripley 1993-2014
- Combat Engineer, United States Army, Fort Riley 1990-1992
- Decorated Veteran of the Persian Gulf War
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Transit Manager
Arrowhead Transit
02.2026 - Current
Parking and Transportation Supervisor
University of Minnesota
01.2022 - 08.2025
Customer Contact Center Representative
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
01.2019 - 01.2022
Rail Transit Operations Supervisor
Los Angeles County Metro Transit Authority
01.2014 - 01.2019
Transit Control Supervisor and Acting Assistant Manager
Metro Transit
01.2000 - 01.2012
Associates of Arts - Business
Normandale College
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of Minnesota