On February 28, 2023, the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Executive Director David Bragdon. The Board has named Senior Director Stephanie Lotshaw as Acting Executive Director, effective as of March 1, 2023.
We wish David all the best as he embarks on his next endeavors. We thank him for his near-decade of service creating and growing TransitCenter into the highly respected national organization it is today.
The Board’s Executive Search Committee has initiated a search process for the next permanent executive director of TransitCenter. Stephanie Lotshaw will be the Acting Executive Director during this time of transition
The trustees and staff are committed to continue to work to fulfill TransitCenter’s mission of securing a more just and sustainable transportation future.
David became the first Executive Director of TransitCenter in March 2013 to launch its new era as a civic advocacy and research organization. The entity had previously been an enterprise which produced farecards, an activity that was transferred to a private business. Under David’s leadership, TransitCenter completely reinvented itself as a public interest foundation that advocates for transit improvements that benefit riders.
When David’s tenure began, the organization was essentially a start-up, with no programs, structure, or strategy. He led the development of a civic mission, recruited a talented staff, and helped assemble a Board of Trustees that includes preeminent transit advocates, researchers, and thought leaders across the U.S.
TransitCenter trustee and author of Trains, Buses, People Christof Spieler said, “David has built TransitCenter into a thoughtful, independent voice on transit, and a partner to advocates across the country. The organization’s work has made transit better and helps riders every day. He has built a great organization with an amazing staff and a strong sense of mission. He leaves us in a great place with a clear direction.”
TransitCenter board chair Ratna Amin said on behalf of the board, “David has created and grown a national transit justice movement and a highly impactful civic organization. The TransitCenter trustees celebrate his accomplishments and leadership. We are committed to a thorough national search for the next great leader of TransitCenter”.
David said, “Building the mission of TransitCenter has been both rewarding and exciting. In March 2023 I will reach the ten year mark in this role, and the organization is in great condition, so that’s a good time for me to work on some freelance projects of my own while someone new leads TransitCenter to even more accomplishments.”
Transit leaders across the country reacted to the announcement with appreciation:
“David has been a mentor, ally and inspiration to me, the Move LA team in Southern California, and transit advocates around the continent. He built TransitCenter into a powerhouse with a national impact.”
– Eli Lipmen, Executive Director, Move LA
“It’s been great working with David over the years. Under his leadership, TransitCenter has done an incredible job moving the transit conversation forward, consistently challenging agencies to do more and do better to serve our customers.”
– Kevin Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Trans-Link, Vancouver BC, former CEO, Maryland Transit Authority
“David built an amazing legacy throughout his tenure at TransitCenter, providing support and guidance to organizations like ours. He is truly a transit champion.”
– Renae Reynolds, Executive Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign (New York / New Jersey / Connecticut.)
“David Bragdon is an incredible leader in the movement for irresistibly good transit, and it has been my honor to learn from him and his amazing team. He’s led TransitCenter on a pathway toward deep impact during tough times, and encouraged all of us to set our sights on the highest achievements possible.”
– Alex Hudson, Transportation Choices Coalition, Puget Sound region.
Details about the upcoming search for a new Executive Director of TransitCenter will be posted on www.transitcenter.org in late January 2023.