Akron METRO announces new chief culture officer position, welcomes Tatia Harris on board

Tatia Haris has joined the METRO Regional Transit Authority (Akron METRO) as the authority’s chief culture officer.  

The position was created to further enhance, adapt and solidify culture within the workplace. Harris will be responsible for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as training, planning and fostering an equitable, sustainable culture and forging productive partnerships. 

Harris most recently served as the diversity and inclusion officer for the city of Knoxville, Tenn., overseeing an internal equity committee that works to create and sustain a culture of inclusiveness, respect, acceptance and empowerment.  

“We are confident that Tatia is the right candidate for this position,” said Akron METRO CEO Dawn Distler. “With her experience in communication and high-quality diversity work, Tatia will cultivate inclusion throughout the workplace and be an advocate for equity across METRO.”  

Starting her career at the city of Knoxville as a public affairs specialist in 2014, Harris moved her way up the ranks, working as a grants manager and most recently as the diversity and inclusion officer and Title VI administrator.  

“I am excited to join an organization that is committed to building equitable systems in the workplace,” said Harris. “My definition of a healthy employer is one who is invested in improving workplace culture, uplifting employee and community needs by addressing opportunity gaps through intentional strategies, partnerships and programs that ensure long-term and sustainable success, and allows its employees and the people they are serving to thrive. METRO RTA is such a place, and I'm honored to be part of the team.”