Richmond, Va.’s GRTC named Joe Dillard Jr. as its director, equitable innovation and legislative policy. In this newly created position, Dillard will curate the role to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization while promoting and cultivating community partnerships.

Reporting directly to the Senior Executive Team, Dillard will define and implement strategies, programs, and projects that encompass both internal and external activities supporting organizational advancement, as well as manage policy and external advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Dillard officially joins GRTC Sept. 3.

Dillard comes to GRTC after serving as the organizational advancement officer for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), where he managed and directed engagement and legislative strategies to promote and accomplish the agency’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives. Dillard has been successful in securing a dedicated funding stream for transit in the greater Hampton Roads region totaling $31 million annually. He has also secured over $25 million in various one-time state funding opportunities for public transportation in the region. Both experiences will be crucial to GRTC’s goals supporting the increasing public mobility needs of the RVA region. At the federal level, Dillard was successful at lobbying for the inclusion of various earmarks to benefit public transportation in southeast Virginia.