New Orleans RTA Appoints Interim CEO Amid National Search
In a farewell message to employees, Lona Edwards Hankins reflected on her time leading the agency and thanked staff for their commitment to riders and the city.
The New Orleans RTA board will share additional information about the national CEO search as the process progresses.
Photo: New Orleans RTA
- Lona Edwards Hankins has reflected on her leadership experience in a farewell message to employees.
- Hankins expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication to serving New Orleans riders and the community.
- New Orleans RTA is conducting a national search for a new CEO following Hankins' departure.
*Summarized by AI
At its regular board meeting, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority board accepted the resignation of CEO Lona Edwards Hankins, effective immediately.
The board also appointed Ronald G. “Ron” Baptiste Jr. to serve as interim CEO while the agency conducts a national search for its next permanent CEO.
Launching a National Search Process
The board previously authorized Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement and approved proceeding with a national search for the agency’s next chief executive. RTA will continue normal operations throughout the leadership transition.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Ms. Hankins for her service to the RTA and to the people who depend on public transit,” said Duplessis. “Our priority now is a steady transition, support for employees, and the selection of RTA’s next chief executive.”
In a farewell message to employees, Hankins reflected on her time leading the agency and thanked staff for their commitment to riders and the city.
“Serving as CEO of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has been more than a role; it has been an honor, a calling, and one of the greatest privileges of my professional life,” Hankins wrote. “Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, challenging me, and inspiring me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story.”
Appointing an Interim
The board also voted to appoint Baptiste as interim CEO, effective immediately.
Baptiste currently serves as RTA’s director of procurement and grants and brings decades of transit and financial leadership experience to the role, including supporting RTA operations prior to the agency bringing day-to-day operations in-house in 2019.
“During transitions like this, it is important that employees, riders, and the public continue to have stability,” said Baptiste. “My focus is supporting our workforce, maintaining reliable service, and ensuring continuity as the board moves through the search process.”
The board will share additional information about the national CEO search as the process progresses.
Quick Answers
Lona Edwards Hankins is the outgoing leader of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
*Summarized by AI
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