Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) appointed Karen Kitsis as its new chief planning and development officer on January 21, 2024. Kitsis takes over from Ray Amoruso, who retired after a notable 16-year tenure at HRT and a remarkable 44 years in the transit industry. Amoruso’s leadership was instrumental in the planning and development of several significant initiatives at HRT, including the Tide light rail, regional express bus service, and the on-demand ridesharing program.
As chief planning and development officer, Kitsis will oversee a department focused on the planning and scheduling of transit services, long-range development of high-capacity systems, customer service, and data analytics.
Kitsis brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Before her appointment at HRT, she served as the deputy commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Additionally, she has significant experience with Sound Transit, which operates in the Seattle metropolitan area.
A native of Hampton Roads, Kitsis is familiar with the local transit landscape. She previously worked for HRT as a transit development officer from 2008 to 2012, where she contributed to various projects enhancing the region’s public transportation services.
The transition in leadership comes at a pivotal time for HRT, which is poised to expand its services and improve its transit offerings under Kitsis’s guidance. Her background in both state and local transit systems positions her well to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing public transportation in the region. With her extensive experience, HRT aims to continue its commitment to providing reliable and efficient transit solutions to the Hampton Roads community.
