The IndyGo Board of Directors announced its selection of Inez Evans as the organization’s new president and CEO. Evans currently serves as COO for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) where she is responsible for leading 1,600 employees, maintaining nearly 700 vehicles, and ensuring exceptional customer service for the VTA’s 43 million customers.

Evans will replace current IndyGo President/CEO Michael Terry in mid to late August. She brings more than 25 years of experience to IndyGo and has led several successful transportation initiatives across the country, including installation of bus rapid transit service and master planning for 100% fleet electrification.

In conducting its national search, IndyGo sought a proven leader and strong communicator, someone with the ability to build and nurture relationships, bring communities together and affect organizational change, the agency stated. Evans was recruited to Santa Clara VTA as chief of staff in 2014, only to be quickly promoted one year later to COO.

During her time at VTA, she has been responsible for overseeing several departments outside of operations including risk management, human resources, procurement, board office, scheduling and service development, community relations, marketing, payroll, and information technology. The organization has an annual operating budget of $365 million and an annual capital budget of $300 million.

“IndyGo is embarking on a dynamic endeavor, essentially doubling the size of its bus system while introducing cutting-edge technology and a 100% electric-powered fleet,” said Evans. “Indianapolis is receiving national recognition for its industry leading innovations. I can’t imagine an opportunity with greater potential, and I intend to maximize every ounce of it.”

During her 25-year career, Evans has worked with a diverse group of transportation organizations and companies in various cities across the country. Prior to the Santa Clara VTA, Evans served as COO for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority and director of transportation for the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transportation Authority. Before that, she held positions with Austin-based Star Tran, San Jose-based Veolia Transportation, and MV Transportation in Fairfield, Calif.