CINCINNATI METRO’S BOARD NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP

Cincinnati, OH-
The Cincinnati Metro Board of Trustees have elected Blake Ethridge as chair and Gwen Robinson as vice-chair of the board.

Mr. Ethridge is a highly respected member of the community and brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing public transportation. He currently serves as the Director of Operations for VRI, a provider of remote patient monitoring. Previously he served in various managerial and leadership roles for First Transit, most recently as Director of Data Analytics & Operations Support. Mr. Ethridge received his B.A. in Chemistry and Political Science from Goucher College and his M.A. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Ethridge has served on the board of trustees for six years.

Ms. Robinson is a long-time community advocate and formerly served as President/CEO of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. She is a co-founder of Every Child Succeeds, President of the State Community Action Association, and member of many boards, including the Hoxworth Advisory Board, Downtown Cincinnati, Inc. (DCI), the Public Library Foundation Board, the Cincinnatus Association, the Public Benefit Board for the State of Ohio, and the Fifth Third CRA Board. Ms. Robinson has served on the board of trustees for the past 12 years.

"I'm thankful to the Metro Board of Trustees for their trust in me. It is a privilege to be the Board Chair for an organization that is leading the way in public transportation worldwide," said Ethridge. "I look forward to further engaging with the Metro team and the community to expand our transit system and find innovative ways to connect our community."

Mr. Ethridge replaces former Chairperson Kreg Keesee, who served on the board for 10 years, including eight years as Chair. Keesee's dedicated leadership on the board has been marked by numerous initiatives that have shaped the future of public transit in the region, including the successful passage of Issue 7, which has allowed Metro to bring to life revolutionary service enhancements.

"Having two experienced leaders like Blake and Gwen at the helm leading the Metro board is extraordinary," said Darryl Haley, Metro CEO & General Manager. "They both care deeply about our community and have a robust understanding of the impact Metro plays in not only improving the quality of life of our citizens, but in serving as an economic driver for our region."

Metro is governed by a 16-member, volunteer citizens' board of trustees. Hamilton County leaders appoint 10 members, and Cincinnati city leaders appoint six. Three of the county's appointees are non-voting trustees representing Butler, Clermont and Warren counties.