Latashia S. Vauss is described as a high-performing and forward-thinking professional whose contributions at New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) have strengthened governance, improved operational efficiency and reinforced public trust in one of the nation’s largest transit systems. Through her leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence, she is cited as an essential force behind the effectiveness of board operations that impact millions of riders across New Jersey. Progressing through the agency from senior legal assistant in the office of general counsel on a contract basis, Vauss was then promoted to board specialist in the board of directors’ office—a contract position she secured permanently. Vauss further ascended within the board office and now serves as the board minutes coordinator, where she is responsible for producing the official record of the NJ Transit Board of Directors’ actions. Her work supports executive leadership decision-making and ensures transparency, accountability and compliance with regulatory standards. She seeks to deliver precise, timely and comprehensive documentation that serves as a critical foundation for organizational governance.  

In addition to preparing board minutes, Vauss manages the coordination and logistics of board meetings, working to ensure seamless execution and readiness among stakeholders. She is known to maintain and organize sensitive records and historical documentation with accuracy and confidentiality. In her role, Vauss has made a measurable impact through her approach to improving internal processes. She developed and implemented a centralized database system to track board resolutions and action items—transforming a previously manual and fragmented process into a streamlined, transparent and accountable workflow. These efforts have made her known in her agency as a dependable professional. This system has enhanced the agency’s ability to monitor progress, ensure follow through and provide accurate reporting to leadership.  

Further, Vauss is cited as playing a key role in supporting board operations during a time when public transit agencies are navigating evolving challenges, increased public scrutiny and heightened expectations for transparency.  

Her previous roles further demonstrate her experience and impact. As a board specialist, she supported administrative operations and public-facing activities, strengthening communication and responsiveness. As a senior legal assistant, she provided high-level support to attorneys, managed confidential information and served as a liaison for internal and external stakeholders. These experiences have equipped her with a combination of legal, administrative and governance expertise that distinguishes her in her current role. 

Vauss has also worked to better the agency through her commitment to NJ Transit’s B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Company Employee Resource Group. Through this work, Vauss has supported employee engagement, cultural awareness and community-focused initiatives. In particular, Vauss prides herself on her efforts designing the framework and laying out the groundwork for a new corporate initiative within the agency: a Historically Black colleges and universities Recruitment Summit. Vauss also hosted corporate-wide events celebrating Black culture and employees, garnering participation from all departments and NJ Transit offices across the state, engaging coworkers from different worksites who usually do not get to participate. 

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Vauss is actively engaged in community and nonprofit leadership and transit workforce development, demonstrating a commitment to service and industry impact. She currently serves as board secretary and parent engagement officer for It Begins With I Am Mentoring Group, where she supports organizational governance, family engagement and youth development initiatives. She also is the former board secretary for Sister to Sister of Montclair Mentoring Group, Inc., where she applied her governance expertise to strengthen organizational operations, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, compliance and effective board support. She also served as a mentor and administrative support leader within the organization’s high school programs, contributing to the development of students and fostering community engagement.

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?  

My career path has been shaped by a desire to serve others and make a meaningful impact in my community. Early in my career, I worked in legal and operational support roles that taught me the importance of organization, accountability, stakeholder coordination and process management. When I joined NJ Transit, I discovered how public transportation directly impacts people’s daily lives by connecting them to jobs, education, healthcare and opportunities. As I progressed from legal assistant to board specialist and now board minutes coordinator, I gained a deeper appreciation for the role governance, transparency, and public trust play in a successful transit agency. Those experiences inspired me to continue growing as a leader in public service and transportation.

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

What I enjoy most is the opportunity to contribute to projects and initiatives that support an organization serving millions of customers each year. I enjoy bringing people together, collaborating across departments and helping move important initiatives from planning to execution. My role gives me a unique perspective on how different areas of NJ Transit work together to achieve common goals, and I find it rewarding to help facilitate communication, support informed decision-making and improve processes that strengthen the organization. I particularly enjoy coordinating complex projects, balancing competing priorities and working with stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes that ultimately benefit the public we serve.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?  

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is accurately capturing complex discussions and decisions while maintaining strict deadlines and ensuring the integrity of the official record. Board meetings often involve significant operational, financial and policy matters that affect customers, employees and stakeholders across the state. It is important to communicate those actions clearly, concisely and accurately. The challenge is balancing detail with accessibility while ensuring transparency and accountability for the public. 

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of and why? 

I am proud of my involvement with NJ Transit’s B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Company Employee Resource Group and the Black History Month rail and bus wrap initiative. The project required collaboration across multiple departments and stakeholders to bring the concept to life and create a visible celebration of Black history and achievement throughout communities across New Jersey. For many children in urban communities, public transit vehicles are a daily presence and often serve a role similar to a school bus. Knowing that this initiative had the potential to educate, inspire and foster community pride made it especially meaningful to me. I am also proud of helping modernize and streamline the board minutes process, improving accessibility and readability while preserving the accuracy and integrity of the official record.

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career? 

One accomplishment I am working toward is earning a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public service—leadership, governance and policy and continuing to grow into a leadership role within the transportation industry. I believe public transportation is about much more than moving people from one place to another. It connects communities to opportunity, resources, education, healthcare and economic growth. My goal is to become more directly involved in community engagement, government relations and stakeholder outreach, helping build partnerships, identify funding opportunities, lead cross-functional initiatives and advance projects that create meaningful and lasting impact for the communities we serve.

What is your best advice you can share from your area of expertise?

Never stop learning, remain adaptable and invest in building relationships. Some of the most valuable professional growth opportunities come from stepping outside your immediate responsibilities and learning from others. I encourage professionals to network, seek mentorship and spend time working with or shadowing colleagues in different departments. Understanding how your work connects to other functions not only broadens your perspective but also helps you become a more effective collaborator and leader. The transportation industry is constantly evolving, and those who are willing to learn, adapt and build strong relationships will be best positioned for success.