The Transportation Alliance (TTA) has named Abena Bonso-Bruce executive director. Bonso-Bruce will begin her tenure on Jan. 1, 2023. She will succeed TTA’s longest serving CEO, Alfred LaGasse, who has worked at the organization for more than 40 years. Throughout 2023, LaGasse will continue to hold the title of CEO while serving in a consulting role to TTA before he fully retires from the association at the end of next year.
“Abena’s immense association industry experience, in combination with her new perspective and innovative ideas, make her a phenomenal pick as TTA’s next executive director,” said TTA President Jeb Corey. “I am excited to work alongside Abena with new initiatives that will drive TTA forward.”
Prior to joining TTA, Bonso-Bruce served as the assistant director of program management at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, an 11,000-member organization. As assistant director, Bonso-Bruce managed more than $8.5 million in federal grants, focusing on firefighter recruitment and retention, as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Bonso-Bruce also coordinated advertisements, courses and other tools to help promote the association’s DEI initiatives, as well as volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention programs.
“The Transportation Alliance has a long and storied history, and I am so proud to be a part of its next chapter,” Bonso-Bruce said. “My focus is on bringing new perspectives into the industry while always honoring and learning from TTA’s incredible 105-year history. I know I have big shoes to fill, which is why I’m so glad Alfred LaGasse will remain with TTA throughout my first year.”
“Abena’s deep experience working with associations, especially associations as large as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, make her more than equipped to lead TTA,” LaGasse said. “I look forward to seeing Abena lead TTA into its next, critical chapter, with new and invigorating ideas backed by her years of management experience.”
