Via Metropolitan Transit (Via) hired two executive management team members who will help strengthen the agency’s focus on growing ridership, implementing the Via Reimagined Plan and improving the customer experience.
Marisa Bono, former chief of policy for San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, joins Via’s Public Engagement Group as chief strategic officer. Bono will create and manage links between external and internal resources and help develop key strategic messaging and relationships regarding Via’s long-range vision. Together with Via’s director of governmental and community relations, she will work to enhance relationships with elected officials, Via partners, business community and other key stakeholders. She will help analyze and evaluate complex issues and make recommendations on appropriate action by Via.
Bono is a licensed attorney who served as the Southwest Regional Counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). As an advisor to the mayor, she oversaw the implementation of his policy agenda, including priorities related to transportation and public safety, and served as liaison to the mayor’s top transit initiative, ConnectSA. She holds a law degree and master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor’s in political science from Rice University. She began her work at Via in August.
"Marisa's keen ability to utilize her gifts to deliver results for our community will be an incredible asset for Via,” Mayor Nirenberg said. “We will miss her leadership and skill set, but rest assured knowing that her work will continue to better the lives of all San Antonio residents. I wish her all the best in this exciting new endeavor and look forward to continuing our work together on ConnectSA."
Curtis Koleber, the former CEO and executive director for the Chatham Area Transit Authority of Savannah, Ga., is the agency’s new head of transportation. Koleber is responsible for overseeing all aspects of bus and paratransit service, and the new Via Link mobility on-demand service.
He previously served as chief operating officer and deputy executive director for the Chatham Area, leading the transportation, maintenance, marine services, customer service and safety/training/environmental services divisions. He also worked 11 years in Phoenix, Ariz., with experience ranging from bus operator to transportation supervisor and senior manager. Koleber was a non-commissioned officer for the U.S. Marine Corps and Cryptologist Arabic Linguist, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University and is a graduate of the Leadership APTA Class of 2016. Koleber began his work at Via in July.
“We are pleased to welcome Curtis and Marisa to the team, where their expertise and demonstrated leadership will help us to better serve our customers and community in a new era of transportation for the region,” said Via President and CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt. “Their many years of experience in transit and other public service areas will be invaluable in growing ridership, implementing our Via Reimagined Plan and improving our customers’ experience.”
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