Cody Ponder, assistant transportation director for Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, died on Nov. 26 at age 35 following a long battle with cancer. (Norman is located in Cleveland County.)

Ponder joined CART in 2006 and was promoted earlier this year from planner and grants specialist to his current position. Ponder was very involved in the Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA). In 2011, he was named to the “40 Under 40” list of emerging public transit leaders published by Mass Transit magazine.

“Cody was a beloved member of the OTA family. His hard work and dedication was a testimony to his outstanding character,” said OTA President Jeannie McMillin, director of Little Dixie Transit. “To be around him, one never knew he was in a fight for his life. His engaging personality belied the cancer he was battling.”