RTA announces new Chief Executive Officer

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jessica Olson (937) 425-8352, Communications Manager

(Dayton, OH)… The Greater Dayton RTA announced that Bob Ruzinsky has been named the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective Thursday, April 1, 2021.

Ruzinsky currently serves as the agency’s Deputy CEO, a position he assumed in September 2019 where he oversees RTA’s day-to-day departmental functions, including all actions for the three primary work groups in the agency: Operations, Finance and Customer & Business Development. 

“The Board of Trustees is confident in the experience, skills, and temperament Bob Ruzinsky brings to the office of CEO,” said RTA Board President Dave Williamson. “The Board has had the opportunity to observe Bob on the job as Deputy CEO during tumultuous and challenging times. He has shown he knows the workings of RTA inside and out, and has proved to be an excellent communicator and problem solver. Bob is the right fit at this time to carry on the fine reputation of the RTA in the community.”

Current CEO Mark Donaghy added, “Bob is a dynamic leader with a demonstrated track record of achievement in our industry. His established relationships and reputation at the state and federal level have made RTA the envy of its peers in gaining much needed capital funds over the past decade. With a passion for excellence, Bob will deliver best-in-class results for our customers, stakeholders and employees. I have a great sense of comfort and confidence in RTA’s future as a result of the board’s selection.”

Ruzinsky began his career with RTA in 1987 in the agency's accounting group and quickly moved up through the department, holding various positions including Senior Accountant, Accounting Supervisor, Human Resources Manager, Controller, and Capital Controller. In 2002, he joined the Butler County Regional Transit Authority as their Chief Financial Officer. In 2009, Ruzinsky returned to Dayton as part of the RTA's finance team to assist with the agency’s grant management. 

In 2013, Ruzinsky was promoted to be RTA’s first Chief Capital Officer, where for six years he led a team to oversee the management of the agency’s capital assets. Under his guidance, RTA replaced its entire bus fleet, renovated its facilities, and started the rebuild of its extensive electric-bus power-system infrastructure. These multi-year, more than $200 million dollar projects have been funded in part by over $87 million in competitive grants that Ruzinsky’s efforts secured for RTA. In 2019, the Ohio Public Transit Association recognized Ruzinsky’s accomplishments with the Leonard Ronis Award, naming him the Transit Professional of the Year in Ohio.