Missouri Public Transit Association Selects New Team to Lead Transit Advocacy Efforts

The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) announced the selection of its new executive director, Kimberly Cella, of the St. Louis-based transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit. Cella and her team at Citizens for Modern Transit will partner with Michael G. Winter Consultants to lead efforts on behalf of the statewide transit provider association to ensure the goals of the organization, which include elevating the status of transit in Missouri, building new coalitions to expand the advocacy base and promoting and supporting MPTA members.

Michael G. Winter will serve as the lead lobbyist for the MPTA.

“We are very excited to make this announcement today of the selection of Kimberly Cella and her team,” said Cindy Baker, president of the MPTA Board of Directors. “This year the MPTA is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in Missouri, and we believe under the leadership of this team, we have the opportunity to make a real difference, not only with regards to funding for transit in Missouri, but also as it relates to policies supporting transit and the overall use of transit in this state.”

Cella has more than 20 years of experience in transit advocacy and education. She has been at the helm of Citizens for Modern Transit since 2011. Michael Winter has more than 25 years experience in politics and governmental relations. MPTA’s staff provides legislative liaison services and its office serves as a central clearinghouse for member information and requests for assistance. The association has developed a variety of programs to facilitate education and networking among transit professionals in Missouri.