TARTA Welcomes Ursula Barrera-Richards as New Chief Human Resources Officer

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is excited to announce the appointment of Ursula Barrera-Richards, J.D., as the organization’s new Chief Human Resources Officer.

With a rich background of nearly two decades in the public and non-profit sectors, Barrera-Richards joins TARTA from the Zepf Center, where she held the role of Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer. Her prior experience includes a significant tenure as the Human Resources and Labor Relations Director at the Lucas County Auditor’s Office, where she was responsible for overseeing human resources operations and contract negotiations.

TARTA’s CEO, Laura Koprowski, expressed enthusiasm for Barrera-Richards’ addition to the team, highlighting her extensive expertise and leadership abilities as critical assets for the organization’s continued growth and improvement. “Ursula’s tremendous skill set will help us build on the improvements TARTA has made in recent years, aiming for a more efficient and dependable service for our daily users,” said Koprowski.

Barrera-Richards’ career began in the political sphere as a congressional aide to U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, followed by a role as an aide to Sen. Teresa Fedor in the Ohio legislature. In these capacities, she was instrumental in supporting SB 235, legislation that significantly advanced the state’s efforts against human trafficking by making it a stand-alone felony.

Reflecting on her new role, Barrera-Richards shared her commitment to the values that public transit upholds, emphasizing economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. “I am accustomed to workforce challenges and have worked tirelessly to balance a positive agency culture with a culture of accountability and transparency that is customer-focused,” she stated. Her goal is to further enhance TARTA’s mission-driven team, which mirrors the diverse fabric of the greater Toledo area.

Barrera-Richards, a Toledo native, boasts an impressive educational background with degrees from the University of Toledo and Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. She also brings a wealth of experience from her clerkships with the United Autoworkers International Union in Detroit, the Ohio State Troopers Union in Columbus, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

In her capacity as TARTA’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Barrera-Richards is set to lead the agency’s hiring and workforce management strategies, fostering a positive workplace culture. Her vision is to empower Team TARTA to continue enhancing system growth and implementing customer-focused improvements, solidifying TARTA’s commitment to serving northwest Ohio with exemplary public transit services.

About TARTA:

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) has been dedicated to providing the residents of northwest Ohio with comprehensive and reliable public transit services for many years. Serving as a critical link to employment, healthcare, education, and recreational activities, TARTA strives to promote economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability through its operations. With a customer-centric approach, TARTA continues to adapt and innovate, ensuring that public transit remains an accessible and preferred choice for the community it serves.