New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) today announced the swearing in of its newly seated Board of Commissioners, Ann Duplessis, Tyrone Casby Sr., Barbara Major, Erika Mann, and Nelita Manego-Ramey. This marks a transition in governance as the agency continues to build on progress made over the past five years as a publicly operated transit system.

The newly appointed commissioners include leaders from across finance, public service, education, public safety, advocacy, and culture, each with deep ties to the New Orleans community and a shared commitment to advancing public transportation. Commissioners Mitchell Guidry and Louis Colin, Sr. round out the Board, providing continuity and experience as the full body moves forward. 

At today’s meeting, the Board also established its leadership and committee structure. 

Ann Duplessis, senior vice president at Liberty Bank and Trust and former Louisiana State Senator, was elected Board Chair while veteran community organizer Barbara Major, was elected Board Vice Chair. Other committee leadership appointments include:

• Finance Committee Chair: Ann Duplessis
• Operations Committee Chair: Mitchell Guidry
• Executive Committee Chair: Barbara Major

The Board’s composition reflects a balance of lived experience and professional expertise, with members who have spent their careers working directly in and alongside the communities RTA serves. 

“I am very impressed with the leadership at RTA,” said Board Chair Ann Duplessis. “We all have the same passion, and that is the passion for the people, people being treated fairly, people being treated honestly, and creating opportunities for economic growth. This board will bring a new dynamic, new energy, and new ideas to the agency. We pledge to listen, to hear, and to do everything in our power to create transit that everyone trusts and values. Now let’s get down to business.” 

Grounded in community voice and advocacy, commissioners also emphasized the importance of listening to riders and shaping service around real experience. 

“I believe in the voice of the people,” said Vice Board Chair Barbara Major, veteran community organizer and co-founder of the New Orleans Citizens Committee. “Structure is important to me, but I will never let structure get in the path of humanity. I want to hear from the people.”  

“As someone who has navigated life with a disability, I understand how critical accessible and reliable transportation is,” said Commissioner Nelita Manego-Ramey, disability advocate and community leader. “We have to get this right for the people who depend on it every day.” 

Operational focus and service delivery remain central to the Board’s priorities moving forward. 

“This is about service, making sure people can get to work, care for their families, and stay connected to their communities,” said Commissioner Erika Mann, CEO of the Dryades YMCA and longtime education leader. 

The Board also reflects the cultural depth of the city it serves, reinforcing the connection between transit and community identity. 

“Our focus is on strengthening community and ensuring our system reflects the culture and needs of the people it serves,” said Commissioner Tyrone ‘Big Chief’ Casby, Sr., educator and cultural leader. 

The Board will immediately begin advancing key agency priorities, including service reliability, capital program delivery, accessibility improvements, and long-term financial sustainability. 

RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins emphasized both continuity and forward momentum as the new Board begins its work: “We are grateful to the outgoing Board for their service and stewardship, and for the progress made over the past five years as a publicly operated agency,” said Hankins. “The focus now is on continuing that work, improving service, strengthening our infrastructure and delivering a system that meets the needs of our community every day. That takes strong partnership between the Board and the agency, and I am confident in where we are headed.” 

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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.