As the Executive Director of the Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA), Laura leads and strengthens the future for Ohio transit systems through the Association’s legislative initiatives, community outreach, media relations, and professional development programs and events. In her role, Laura serves as a transportation and mobility subject matter expert, advocate and spokesperson for the Ohio public transit industry on the local, state and federal levels. This year, OPTA is celebrating the Association’s 50th anniversary representing public and private transit systems, transportation businesses, and mobility professionals.

Laura served on the executive leadership team at the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) from 2017-2019 as vice president of government affairs and communications. She led the Authority’s advocacy and legislative work as well as external and internal communications. Laura played an instrumental role in several of COTA’s national recognized initiatives including the Transit System Redesign, COTA Plus, and the Downtown C-Pass Program. She also served as a liaison to the Smart Columbus project. During her tenure at COTA, the system received the Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2018 by the American Public Transportation Association.

Prior to joining COTA, Laura led the public and government affairs department at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Her responsibilities encompassed government relations, membership services, communications and community relations to promote MORPC in the 15-county Central Ohio region. In addition, Laura’s 20 year career at MORPC involved environmental issues, developing regional land-use and transportation plans, and securing greater collaboration with economic development partners. 

Laura earned a master’s in public administration at Bowling Green State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Ohio University.

Active in her community and professional organizations, Laura serves on the following boards and committees: Neighborhood Design Center, ODOT’s Access Ohio 2045 Steering Committee, Clean Fuels Ohio Public Policy Committee, Move Forward Hamilton County Steering Committee, Legislative and State Affairs Committees of the American Public Transportation Association, and past co-chair of Mobility on Demand Policy Working Group of ITS America.