Understanding the ever-changing role of mobility as a key factor in a growing region’s economic development, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) named Kimberly Sharp sr. director, development.

Sharp has been deputy director, planning and development for the City of Westerville since 2013. In that time, she has led development projects, zoning regulations, and incentives with local and regional partners. She was integral in establishing Main Street America “Uptown Westerville Inc.,” a non-profit dedicated to preserving and revitalizing historic Westerville.

Sharp has also served on several community boards and committees, including COTA’s NextGen Advisory Group and the Insight 2050 Corridor Concepts Steering Committee.

Additionally, Patrick Harris has been promoted to AVP, government affairs and corporate communications. Harris joined COTA in 2018 as director, government affairs and special projects, working with local, state, and federal policymakers and public influencers to help them better understand the value COTA and its role in supporting workforce, economic development, higher education, and access to a high quality of life.

Patrick also leads internal and external communications at COTA, working to promote COTA to the media, community leaders, and COTA employees.

Additionally, Mallory Donaldson joined COTA on Oct. 28 to manage COTA’s Community Relations efforts. Mallory has more than 15 years of community relations experience in the Columbus area, most recently as executive assistant at One Columbus (formerly Columbus 2020). She was also the executive assistant to Mayor Michael Coleman during his administration and assistant director, scheduling, for E. Gordon Gee when he was president of The Ohio State University.