The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is proud to share that Chief Executive Officer Laura Koprowski has been named Leadership Ohio’s Visionary Leadership Award honoree for 2023.
The award recognizes a Leadership Ohio graduate who has driven transformative change in their industry by demonstrating exceptional leadership.
In less than 3-1/2 years at TARTA and less than 2 years as CEO, Koprowski has spearheaded a wave of positive change at the organization, including:
- The return of Sunday and holiday bus service
- The introduction of a new on-demand microtransit service, TARTA Flex
- Fixed-route service to Holland and Springfield Township for the first time, with the same service expected for Oregon in early 2024
- The completion and implementation of TARTA Next, TARTA’s first redesign and service expansion plan in decades
- Securing of close to $40 million in competitive grants, including grants for new electric vehicles
- Updating of fleet, facilities, signs and shelters
- The 2021 passage of a levy changing TARTA’s funding model from a property tax to a sales tax
Laura has over 25 years of experience in the public transportation industry, and is a frequent passenger on TARTA buses.
Leadership Ohio award winners will be recognized at Homecoming 2023, a reunion of Leadership Ohio alumni slated for Saturday, August 19 at the Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown Columbus. Other honorees include:
- Community Impact Award: Rayshun Holt, Program Director, Cincinnati Works
- Professional Excellence Award: Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County Commissioner
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Ohio State Senator Hearcel Craig
Established in 1992, Leadership Ohio is the start’s first leadership development program. Those taking part in the program attend educational seminars in different parts of the state, following a curriculum designed to elevate leaders’ knowledge, perspective, and connections. TARTA Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer Sam Melden is a member of the current class.
About TARTA
TARTA provides a vital link in the Toledo metro area to jobs, education, health care and other destinations. It enables everyone in our community to have access to transportation regardless of their age, race, physical ability or economic background. TARTA is underway with exploring and introducing new initiatives and service options that will enhance convenience and customer experience while moving our region into the future of public transit.