Atlanta (WAOK/AJC)-The MARTA board of directors voted Thursday to hire San Antonio transit chief Keith Parker as the new general manager.

Parker received 10 votes. Director Wendy Butler abstained and director Adam Orkin was absent. In an email, Orkin had supported the other finalist, Stephen Bland, the head of the transit authority in Pittsburgh.

Parker has the reputation of someone who will work well with the legislature and motivate employees.

Keith Parker is 46. He will come aboard after General Manager Beverly Scott steps down at the end of the year. Scott has been hired as the new general manager of Boston’s MBTA.