VISION

A world class, multi-modal transportation system that promotes a vibrant, healthy and sustainable New Orleans region.

MISSION

Enhance the quality of life in the New Orleans region by promoting safe, convenient and affordable transportation options.

STAFF

Rachel Heiligman - Executive Director

Rachel is Transport for NOLA’s first Executive Director and an active voice for transportation equity.  She is in charge of strategic direction and running the day-to-day operations of Transport for NOLA.  Rachel spent several years working with local governments to promote sustainable urban revitalization  in West Hollywood, CA and Chicago, IL.  Most recently, Rachel served as the New Orleans City Planning Commission’s Senior Environmental Planner and as the Interim Program Manager for the City of New Orleans’ Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grant Program.  She holds a graduate degree in urban planning from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ross Peizer – Transit Week Coordinator and Policy Intern

Ross moved to New Orleans to help with the on-going recovery efforts through Rebuilding Together. Without a car, he relied on the streetcar to get around but found the transit system unreliable leading him to Transport for NOLA where he helps to promote viable alternative transportation choices.  Ross holds a degree in public relations from Boston University and is applying to graduate school to study urban planning.

Karl Tear – Policy Intern

Karl is a first year graduate student at The University of New Orleans working toward a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning where he is specializing in transportation and urban design. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio Karl previously worked for the Athens Ohio Planning Department and holds a degree in geography from Ohio University. He is a proponent for bicycle friendly streets and a frequent user of the bus system.

BOARD MEMBERS

Jeff Schwartz – Board President

Executive Director, Broad Community Connections

New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Member

Jackie Dadakis – Secretary

Consultant, Clean Energy Solutions

Fred Neal Jr. - Treasurer

Urban Planner, Villavaso and Associates

President, EngageNOLA (non-profit organization)

Stephen Crim

Senior Analyst, The Innovation Group

Stella Cziment, Esq.

Attorney, The Orleans Public Defenders

Seth Knudsen

Project Manager, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority

Reuben Teague

Principal and Owner, Green Coast Enterprises

Trevor Theunissen

Associate, Coats Rose