The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) proudly congratulates Rickey L. Mack, Assistant General Manager for The COMET’s operations contractor, RATP Dev USA, on being selected by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs as its Veteran of the Month for August 2026.
Rickey Mack
A retired Senior Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy, Mack dedicated 24 years of distinguished military service to defending and serving the nation before continuing his commitment to public service through transportation leadership.
“Rickey exemplifies the values of integrity, dedication, and service that are at the heart of both military and public transportation careers,” said Maurice Pearl, Executive Director/CEO of The COMET. “His leadership helps ensure that thousands of residents, including many veterans, have access to safe, reliable transportation every day. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
“Rickey is the kind of leader who inspires those around him through both his professionalism and his commitment to service,” said Lenny Cooksey, General Manager for RATP Dev at The COMET. “His military career reflects a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and leadership, and those same qualities continue to benefit our employees, riders, and community every day. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized as South Carolina’s Veteran of the Month.”
Mack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1981 and served as a Boatswain’s Mate, earning numerous awards and commendations throughout his military career, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. During his service, he participated in multiple deployments, humanitarian missions, and recruitment efforts while receiving command advancements to Petty Officer 2nd Class and Petty Officer 1st Class.
After retiring from the Navy in 2005, Mack continued his pursuit of excellence through education, earning an associate degree from the University of Phoenix and later completing the University of South Florida’s Transit Manager Certificate Program.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mack relocated to South Carolina in 2023 and quickly embraced the state’s commitment to community and public service.
“What truly convinced me to stay was the strong sense of community and the welcoming spirit of its residents,” Mack said. “South Carolina is a place where relationships matter, neighbors support one another, and public service is genuinely valued.”
Today, Mack’s leadership at The COMET supports the delivery of essential transportation services that connect residents to employment, healthcare, education, and other critical destinations. His work is especially meaningful for veterans who depend on reliable transportation to access medical care, community resources, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life.
The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs recognized Mack for demonstrating that the principles of military service continue long after a veteran’s time in uniform. His dedication to serving others remains evident in his professional leadership and his commitment to improving the lives of those in the communities he serves.
The COMET joins the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs in proudly recognizing Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Rickey L. Mack as the August 2026 Veteran of the Month.