New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority Board of Commissioners convened a Special Board Meeting to take action related to agency leadership and the organization’s next chapter. 

During the meeting, the Board issued a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins on behalf of the agency. A third resolution approved moving forward with a national search for the next Chief Executive Officer of the RTA. 

“The Board of Commissioners is committed to ensuring that the RTA moves forward with transparency, accountability, and a clear vision for the future,” said Ann Duplessis, Chair of the RTA Board of Commissioners. “Today’s actions are intended to support a thoughtful leadership transition while keeping our focus on the riders, employees, and communities who depend on public transit every day. We are committed to conducting a thorough national search to identify the right leader to guide the RTA into its next chapter.” 

Additional information regarding the CEO search process and interim leadership plans will be shared as it becomes available. 

The RTA remains committed to maintaining normal transit operations throughout this transition and continuing progress on key initiatives aimed at improving service, accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall rider experience. 

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a sub-division of the State of Louisiana which is operated by an independent Board of Commissioners that serves Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes. The agency operates car and passenger ferries, fixed-route buses, Paratransit, and streetcar services. For updates, service alerts, and agency news, follow the RTA on social media: @neworleansrta on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook, and New Orleans Regional Transit Authority on LinkedIn.