FL: HART Board of Directors Name Katharine Eagan New Interim Chief Executive Officer
The HART Board of Directors appointed HART Chief Operating Officer Katharine Eagan, AICP, as its new Interim chief executive officer.
Eagan will assume the role when CEO Philip R. Hale retires, citing family reasons, effective May 2.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Eagan also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Angelo State University. Prior to joining HART she made valuable contributions while working for public transit agencies in Dallas and Baltimore.
Eagan originally joined HART in 2009 as chief of service development, directing service planning and scheduling, as well as marketing and community relations. During those years she helped build ridership, implement unique and targeted marketing promotions, and promote strategic route planning.
Eagan distinguished herself as a results-oriented leader between FY2010 to FY2013. Under her guidance HART annual ridership grew over 20 percent and farebox recovery increased over 25 percent, despite a slight decrease in service miles. Annual van ridership improved more than 35 percent and fare recovery increased over 43 percent, with miles of service growing less than 12 percent and hours of service growing less than 19 percent. Under Ms. Eagan's leadership HART also introduced OneBusAway Tampa and Google Live technologies to empower customers.
"I think the choice was very clear," said chairman of the HART Board of Directors Councilman Mike Suarez. "We are fortunate to have a seasoned professional step in with more than 17 years of experience in the transportation industry and five years at HART."