Emille Williams, the agency's current VP, operations, will take over the position on Oct. 1 after the departure of current President/CEO W. Curtis Stitt.
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Emille Williams, VP, operations, to the position of interim president/CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2017.
Williams joined COTA’s Leadership Team in May, 2016, where he heads the operations division of the authority. Before coming to COTA, he held the position of chief engineering officer in the operations division of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority in Philadelphia.
COTA’s board also announced that it formed a 13-member committee to begin the search for a new president/CEO.
The selection committee will seek input from approximately 60 community leaders who represent the authority’s numerous and diverse stakeholders. Stakeholders will be asked to share priorities for the next leader, as well as desired professional experience, leadership characteristics and attributes.
Additionally, COTA will request input from all its customers and service-area residents, which can be shared online.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.