COTA hires first-ever chief innovation officer
Sophia Mohr comes to COTA from the private sector, most recently serving as VP, owner experience design and strategy, at NetJets.

Sophia Mohr

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) hired Sophia Mohr as COTA’s first-ever chief innovation officer.
Mohr comes to COTA from the private sector, most recently serving as VP, owner experience design and strategy, at NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Under her direction, Mohr’s team designed and developed strategies to improve the customer experience for NetJets’ clients.
“The Chief Innovation Officer role is crucial to COTA’s future, as advancements in mobility are fundamentally changing the way we move in our region,” said COTA President/CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton. “I know Sophia’s ability to forge relationships with private and public partners, and her skills in leading bold initiatives that are both innovative and consumer-focused, will be essential to providing the best service for Central Ohioans.”
Mohr begins her new role at COTA on Sept. 3.
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