Bill Lhota is retiring from COTA after seven and a half years of serving as President and CEO for the Central Ohio Transit Authority. After a year long search, the COTA Board annouced this morning that W. Curtis Stitt will be replacing Lhota, effective Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.
“Curtis Stitt possesses the business and management skills, experience and strategic vision to take COTA to the next level,” said Linda Mauger, COTA Board Chair. “The Board has had the opportunity to observe Mr. Stitt over the past year in his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. We have been impressed with Mr. Stitt’s measured and deliberate management style that is bolstered by his passion for COTA and public transit in our community.”
Lhota brought the COTA headquarters to downtown Columbus a couple of years ago and has turned the bus system around. He feels Stitt will be a strong replacement.
“Curtis has made significant contributions to the agency and has emerged as a strong leader inside COTA as well as an informed and enthusiastic transit advocate among our industry peers and community stakeholders,” Lhota said.
For more information about COTA, visit www.cota.com or call (614) 228-1776.