Poore Joins Board Of Trustees As Lucas County Rep

TARTA welcomes Karen Poore as a representative of Lucas County on its Board of Trustees. Her first official board meeting will take place May 15.

Poore is a Business Navigator with Lucas County’s Department of Economic Development, and previously served as Deputy Mayor in the administration of City of Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. She had been a public servant in different posts with Lucas County and Toledo and has more than 30 years of experience in government.

“It is incredibly important that everyone, regardless of their location in this region or financial situation, be able to access the things that make this a great place to live,” Poore said. “TARTA has done so much in the last three years to expand mobility options for those who truly need them to reach essential destinations, which is one of the many reasons I’m excited to be a part of what TARTA is doing going forward.

“Reliable transportation is an essential part of economic development. TARTA is connecting people to jobs and working with employers to ensure the transportation needs of their workers are met. A strong public transit system helps build a strong economy.”

In 2024, TARTA’s board oversaw an increase in ridership of more than 20 percent, with close to two million fixed route trips provided in addition to nearly 120,000 paratransit trips and more than 50,000 TARTA Flex on-demand trips. The recent addition of 10 brand new diesel fixed route vehicles greatly decreased the average age of the buses in TARTA’s fleet, and that average age will dip again later this year with the delivery of several full-size electric buses.

“Karen’s history of public service and  passion for improving this community are well known, and we are so fortunate to add her skills and insight to the wonderful group of volunteer leaders who guide TARTA," said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. "I believe both (new Rossford representative) Zach (Schmidt) and Karen will continue that tradition of skilled, passionate leadership from the TARTA board.” 

TARTA’s Board of Trustees also includes:

•      President Kendra Smith, Toledo
•      Vice President Mary Morrison, Sylvania
•      Heather Baker, Toledo
•      Joel Beren, Sylvania Township
•      Brittany Ford, Ottawa Hills
•      Gary Gonya, Toledo
•      Tarik Kadri, Lucas County
•       Rev. Dr. W.L. Perryman III, Lucas County
•        Lou Thomson, Maumee
•        Dr. Tiffany Whitman, Toledo