DART Chief Information Officer Named Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer

Dallas Area Rapid Transit promoted Nicole O. Fontayne-Bárdowell to executive vice president, chief administrative officer (CAO). She joined the organization four years ago as the chief information officer (CIO). 

Fontayne-Bárdowell succeeds Chief Financial Officer David Leininger in the top administrative role. Leininger retired earlier this year. In her new capacity she will oversee Human Capital, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, and Procurement.

As DART's CIO, Fontayne-Bárdowell helped deploy the first DART interactive kiosk at Dallas Love Field airport and other technologies to improve customer experience. Immediately prior to joining DART, Fontayne-Bárdowell was an Engagement Manager with the Everest Group. She also served previously as a managing principal with Magellan Associates LLC. She initiated the role of CIO of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

She has previously been included in CIO Magazine's "Top 100 Award: Innovation for Growth." Fontayne-Bárdowell holds a B.A. in Political Science from Roosevelt University in Chicago and an M.P.A. in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University.