Schmidt to Represent Rossford on TARTA Board

TARTA is excited to welcome Zachary Schmidt as the City of Rossford’s representative on its Board of Trustees.

Schmidt is a grant coordinator at Bowling Green State University. He also serves as a board member for both the Wood County Board of Elections and the Rossford Public Library. Schmidt earned a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law from BGSU in 2018 and his Master of Public Administration from the same institution last August.

“I grew up riding TARTA buses with my grandma and brother my mom and friends downtown; it’s a part of who I am,” said Schmidt. “Those early experiences showed me how transit connects people and communities in powerful ways. Today, I believe deeply in the role strong public transportation plays in creating opportunity, equity and access across our region."

“TARTA is doing amazing and important work, and I’m honored to represent the City of Rossford on its board. I’m excited to put my background in public administration, shaped through my time at BGSU, to work in support of TARTA’s staff, community partners, and riders who make it all possible.”

Schmidt previously held posts with iOutlet, the Ohio Democratic Party, and Universal Marketing Group. He did his Masters thesis on TARTA’s comprehensive operational analysis, TARTA Next.

“Zach’s familiarity with TARTA and the benefits it provides for the community, is a great addition to our wonderfully dedicated board of trustees,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “He has a history of public service and a passion for making communities better.

“We were fortunate to have the leadership of (former board member) Kevin Weaks as a Rossford representative for the last seven years, and I believe Zach will continue the city’s history of an active role in ensuring that TARTA is an innovative and quality mobility provider for the Northwest Ohio region.”

Weaks, whose last board meeting was in March, was named to TARTA’s board in December of 2018. He helped provide leadership and guidance during one of the most active periods of TARTA’s history.

TARTA’s Board of Trustees also includes:

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