The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has hired two new people to fill the positions of chief of staff and community relations manager.
Garth Weithman has been selected to be the new chief of staff. Weithman has served the United Way of Central Ohio since 2015, where he began as project manager for Public Policy/Diversity and Inclusion and most recently as assistant vice president, strategic initiatives and advocacy. Prior to that, he was the public affairs specialist at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
In his new role at COTA, Weithman will manage the day-to-day and long-term operations of the president’s office and leadership team. He will also serve an advisor, driving communication, collaboration and alignment across the organization.
"Garth’s role is crucial to the organization and leadership at COTA, as well as our board of trustees,” said COTA President/CEO Joanna M. Pinkerton. “Garth has a proven record as a champion and advocate for Central Ohioans. He understands why mobility matters, the impact it has in our customers’ lives and recognizes the significant role COTA plays throughout our community. His expertise and compassion will contribute immensely to our organization and his voice will certainly propel our work forward.”
“The opportunity to join a bold and transformative team such as COTA is incredibly exciting,” added Weithman. “COTA is truly a leader in mobility innovation. Contributing to the strategic work they are doing for the community they serve, with a strong focus on equity, diversity and inclusion, cannot be understated.”
Weithman holds a Bachelor of Arts from Otterbein University and a Master’s of Arts in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University. He is a member of Leadership Columbus Class of 2021.
Additionally, Tanya Salyers has joined COTA as community relations manager. Salyers most recently worked as the digital communications and engagement manager at Innovation Ohio and is the former marketing and communications manager at the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. In her new role at COTA, Salyers will be responsible for ongoing outreach and engagement with non-profit partners and community leaders.
“It is imperative that the needs of the community, in particular our nonprofit organizations and their leaders, have a consistent voice at COTA. Tanya brings a unique skillset and will lead the effort in engaging with the community and helping our most vulnerable citizens embrace COTA’s transformational vision,” said Patrick Harris, COTA’s AVP of external relations.
Salyers has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Shawnee State University and was named one of YWCA’s Women on the Rise in 2021.
