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
More Management
People Movement: ABC Names John Walsh as Chief Commercial Officer
In this edition, METRO also covers recent appointments and announcements at the DART, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
LA Metro Ridership Continues Growth as Rail Gains Accelerate
New rail connections and major events help drive continued ridership gains, with Metro recording its eighth consecutive month of year-over-year rail growth.
Read More →
TransDASH Summit Focuses on Measuring What Matters in Transit
Transit agencies unveil a national performance platform designed to benchmark customer experience, safety, community value, and other outcomes.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak
Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More
In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
Read More →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →