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.
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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.
The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.
Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
