The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is proud to announce the addition of James Karasek as Chief Financial Officer. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership and financial management roles, Karasek brings an impressive skill set and a history of surpassing organizational financial goals to TARTA.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to work alongside some incredibly talented people and participate in the continued improvement and renaissance of this agency,” Karasek said. “As someone who spent years working in Toledo, I’m familiar with TARTA and what it means to so many people in the community.
“Under Laura Koprowski’s leadership, TARTA has been able to expand its service area and improve customer service, while being committed to financial sustainability and transparency. I look forward to contributing to the exciting things that are happening here and to help this team build a better, more efficient transit agency for the people who depend on it every day.”
Karasek arrives at TARTA after serving as the CFO at Future Plans, Inc. in Newbury, Ohio, where he shepherded the launch of a new grant management system and oversaw a $9.5 million budget for the nonprofit corporation. His experience also includes three years as Director of Fiscal Services at Sisters of Charity Health System in Cleveland, six years as Chief Operating Officer of Leading Families Home in Toledo, and four years in leadership posts at Toledo’s Rescue Incorporated. Karasek has a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Kent State University.
“James joins us at a crucial time in our growth journey,” said TARTA Chief Executive Officer Laura Koprowski. “The leadership and financial skills that he has demonstrated every step of the way in his career will be important tools for us as we continue to improve TARTA’s financial standing and aggressively seek new grant funding.
“Strong financial health has been a long-term goal of TARTA’s since I arrived a little over three years ago. We have made so much progress, and with the help of James and other members of this great team, we can continue to grow and innovate.” Karasek’s documented history of managing organizational budgets, fighting for and winning grant funding and streamlining financial processes will benefit TARTA as it strives to be a strong steward of public funds.
“TARTA hitting its financial milestones leads to more options for the people who depend on this system to reach essential destinations,” Karasek said. “Whether they are headed to work, the doctor’s office, school or anywhere else, we want to work to ensure that customers can connect with their community without worrying about the cost. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
