NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced Alex Z. Wiggins will be stepping down as chief executive officer effective December 31, 2022. Alex Z. Wiggins joined the RTA in July 2019 as the first publicly appointed CEO since the agency was formed in 1979. 

"The RTA Board of Commissioners would like to thank Alex Z. Wiggins, who joined the RTA at a pivotal time in the agency's history," said Mark Raymond, Jr, Board Chairman. "His New Orleans roots and vast transit experience gleaned from transit properties in Seattle, Chicago, and Southern California uniquely positioned him to lead the agency through its transition to bring agency administration, operations, and maintenance functions in-house as well as the agency's first major route overhaul since interim service was introduced following Hurricane Katrina. Together, these achievements allowed the agency to better prioritize local rider needs, regional connections, and transit equity."

"Thank you to the RTA Board, staff, and riders for trusting me to lead our incredible staff to help build the world-class transit system New Orleanians deserve, said Alex Z. Wiggins, CEO. "I am proud of our team's many accomplishments, including our response to Hurricane Ida, stabilization of the passenger ferry service, breaking ground on the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, and initiating the Bus Rapid Transit Study, which will significantly enhance regional connections in the region."

"I would like to wish Alex Wiggins great success in his future endeavors, said Kory Dupree, Local ATU President. It was a pleasure working with him".

Lona Edward Hankins will serve as interim CEO until the RTA Board of Commissioners permanently fills the role. Mrs. Hankins has served as the deputy CEO of planning & infrastructure since December 2019. In this role, Lona oversaw the development and execution of capital assets and the implementation of infrastructure improvement projects.