This story, originally published May 4, has been updated to include the announcement of a new Deputy CEO/COO.

The board at Iowa’s Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) announced the selection of Erin Hockman as CEO.

A respected and familiar leader with both the organization and the Greater Des Moines community, Hockman brings a decade of experience at DART, most recently as chief administrative and strategy officer.

She 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.

“Erin is a proven leader who’s been at the heart of DART’s work for years and has earned the trust of this commission and the member communities DART serves,” said Connie Boesen, chair of the DART Commission. “As we get ready to roll out Reimagine DART and whatever follows in the years ahead, we’re confident she’s the right person to continue advancing public transit’s impact in Greater Des Moines.”

Building a Legacy in Des Moines

Hockman joined DART in 2016 as marketing and communications manager, bringing valuable experience from the private sector.

Before DART, she spent eight years at Kemin Industries, a global nutritional manufacturing company, where she advanced through multiple roles focused on strategic communications, executive counsel, employee relations, public relations, and marketing.

At DART, Hockman has played a key role in shaping organizational strategy, working closely with the CEO to align priorities and guide short- and long-term planning. She has also helped spearhead Reimagine DART, including a community-driven network redesign set to launch in June, said officials.

“What made this decision easy for me is the exceptional team at DART,” said Hockman. “Talented, dedicated employees drive our success at every level, who are committed to delivering their best for our riders and the communities we serve. I am excited about the transformative changes we’re making to our bus routes next month, which will expand access to more people while delivering a stronger return on investment and lowering costs to taxpayers.”

DART Adds Deputy CEO

In her first few days as CEO, Hockman announced an expanded leadership role for Luis Montoya, who will serve as deputy CEO and COO.

Montoya, who previously served as chief operating and planning officer, joined DART in 2018 from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and brings nearly two decades of community transit experience.

Known for pairing strategic leadership with a roll-up-the-sleeves approach, he has helped guide the organization through a period of significant change and progress. He has led innovative service pilots and partnerships, helped navigate the pandemic, and played a key role in shaping a new network redesign set to launch in June as a result of Reimagine DART.

Hockman said Montoya’s leadership and expertise will be critical as DART moves from implementing a new bus network into its next phase while ensuring strong leadership continuity.