RIPTA Board of Directors Names Transit Executive Christopher Durand New Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Durand Has Been Serving as Interim CEO Since April 2024
Christopher Durand
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced that its Board of Directors has named Christopher Durand as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 21, 2024. He has been serving as the Interim Chief Executive Officer since April 16, 2024, following his unanimous appointment by RIPTA’s Board of Directors.
Christopher Durand, a Rhode Island native and University of Rhode Island graduate, has been an integral part of RIPTA since 2014, bringing a wealth of expertise to various leadership roles. Serving as Chief Financial Officer since 2021, he has overseen the agency’s financial operations with a strategic vision.
Durand played a pivotal role in guiding RIPTA through the unprecedented financial and operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ensuring the agency maintained service despite significant revenue declines. His extensive experience within RIPTA includes key positions such as Budget Analyst, Senior Financial Analyst, Director of Finance and Budget, and Executive Director of Finance and Budget, each contributing to his deep understanding of the agency’s operations and fiscal strategies.
“I would like to thank the Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve as RIPTA’s Chief Executive Officer,” said Christopher Durand. “I am honored to continue working alongside our dedicated employees who work tirelessly every day to keep Rhode Island moving. In my short time as interim CEO, we’ve achieved significant milestones together— investing in workforce development to address labor and service challenges, reopening the East Side Tunnel after crucial renovations, and leading the way in sustainability with the Northeast region’s first in-line electric bus charging station. I am excited to continue building on this momentum and remain committed to improving service for our transit riders and ensuring RIPTA is a dependable, forward-thinking transit system for all Rhode Islanders.”
Following a nationwide search conducted by the executive search firm Merraine Group, he was selected as the sole finalist for the position during today’s board meeting, where board members approved initiating contract negotiations with Durand. The contract is expected to be approved at the December board meeting.
“Chris Durand brings steady, experienced leadership to the table at a time when RIPTA must continue to adapt to a post-pandemic environment,” said Governor Dan McKee. “His passion for public transit, work ethic, and wide range of skills will help RIPTA navigate challenges and find innovative ways to improve public transit across Rhode Island. I look forward to working with Chris and his team on strategies to support our riders for years to come.”
“Chris has been a steady hand at the helm of RIPTA during the last year and has a great depth of knowledge of RIPTA’s finances and planning. He has a great rapport with the RIPTA board, staff, the unions and their members and riders,” said RIPTA Board Chairman and Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. “Chris has a good vision for making the necessary adjustments to reform RIPTA’s finances and bringing RIPTA into the future. I have a great deal of confidence in his leadership.”
RIPTA provides statewide public transit service in Rhode Island operating fixed-route bus service and door-to-door paratransit service for people with disabilities. For more information on RIPTA services, call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.