Karin Rexroad, the city executive who oversaw the creation of the Lawrence Transit System, is leaving her post for a new job in Wichita late this month.

Rexroad told city officials Monday that she would leave her job as public transit administrator Feb. 24. Rexroad said she was taking a job with Optima Bus Co., a manufacturer of public transit vehicles.

“I’m really happy with what I’m leaving behind,” Rexroad said. “We have a strong and growing system here.”

City Manager Mike Wildgen said the position would be filled after a brief evaluation of its duties, and after it was advertised in national and regional public transit publications. Existing city staff members, with help from the city’s Public Transit Advisory Committee, will handle Rexroad’s responsibilities in the interim.

Wildgen said Rexroad was a valuable part of the team that launched the T in 2001.

“She was here for what I call the birth of the T,” Wildgen said. “She has helped grow the baby and see it mature. She has really been instrumental in the positive reviews we’ve received from the Federal Transit Administration.”

Rexroad became the city’s first public transit administrator in February 2000. She previously had been the executive director of the Public Transportation Department of Reno County.

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She cited a desire to be closer to family members in the Wichita area and a desire to take advantage of a good career opportunity as reasons for her decision to leave her Lawrence job.

In her new job, Rexroad will be responsible for working with contracts and customer service issues for the bus manufacturer.