COTA Board of Trustees

COTA’s Board of Trustees

COTA’s Board of Trustees is the governing body of COTA and is responsible for overseeing COTA as established by the Ohio Revised Code 306.30 to 306.50.

In exercising its fiduciary responsibilities, board members have three primary obligations:

• Duty of Care—Board members shall perform their duties with the care that an ordinary prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.
• Duty of Good Faith—Board members shall take the necessary actions to be informed and exercise appropriate judgment.
• Duty of Loyalty—Board members shall perform their duties in a manner the Board Member reasonably believes to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of COTA.

Additionally, board members should:

• Provide a clear vision for COTA’s future.
• Provide oversight of COTA’s operations.
• Work effectively with other board members, leadership and the president/CEO.
• Be an advocate for COTA’s vision, mission, values and COTA’s long-range transit plan.

There are two members appointed by Franklin County, seven members appointed by Columbus, and four members appointed by various suburbs. Members are appointed for three-year terms.

Please click here for a list of 2021 Board Meetings.

Advisory Panel

• As provided for in the COTA Charter, an Advisory Panel was established to advise COTA management in the development and implementation of public transit in central Ohio.
  • One member appointed by the Franklin County Commissioners.
  • One member appointed by the Mayor or other chief executive officer of each municipal corporation participating in the creation of COTA.
  • At-large members may be appointed by the President/CEO with the consent of the Board of Trustees or as provided in Resolution No. 2011-20 and procedures adopted consistent therewith.
• Each member appointed to the Advisory Panel shall be a resident and have a familiarity with public transit needs in central Ohio.
• The Advisory Panel shall meet quarterly and be used by COTA management as a resource in making decisions on public transit and, as appropriate, incorporate advice from the Panel into programs presented to the Board.