The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Announces New Officers For 2026; Welcomes new members to the Board of Commissioners
Kansas City, Mo. (February 12, 2026) — The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) announced a new officer slate and the appointment of new members to its 10-person Board of Commissioners.
Bridgette Williams, representing the Unified Government, has been named Chair. Chris Whiting, a new appointee from Jackson County, will serve as Vice-Chair. Julie Lorenz, representing Johnson County, has been appointed Treasurer, and Eric Bunch, a new appointee from Kansas City, Mo., will serve as Secretary.
Bridgette Williams, Chair, Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas Executive Director, Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City. Bridgette Williams was appointed to the KCATA Board in October 2023 by Mayor Tyrone Garner of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. Williams has over 30 years of experience in the fields of transportation, construction, economic development policy, problem-solving, contract negotiations and people management. She is the first African American and the first female to hold the top position in an AGC chapter in the country. Founded in 1950, the Heavy Constructors Association has been at the forefront of transportation, public works, infrastructure issues, and campaigns in the Greater Kansas City Area, and in the states of Kansas and Missouri.
Chris Whiting, Vice-Chair, Jackson County, Missouri. Chris Whiting was appointed to the KCATA Board by Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota. Whiting serves as Chief Policy Officer for Jackson County, where he leads policy development and strategic initiatives for the county. Whiting brings extensive leadership experience from the private sector, having served in senior-level positions across telecommunications, laboratory services, and senior living industries. A dedicated public servant, Whiting served two terms on the Independence Missouri City Council and as a trustee on the board of trustees for the Metropolitan Community Colleges of Kansas City (MCCKC). Whiting currently serves as a board member of United Consumers Credit Union. His combined experience in government, private sector leadership, and community service positions him to advance KCATA's mission to connect all people to opportunities.
Julie Lorenz, Treasurer, Johnson County, Kansas Principal Consultant, 1898 & Co. Julie Lorenz was appointed Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority in January 2019. She recently joined 1898 & Co., the business and technology consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell, as a principal consultant. With more than 25 years of experience, Commissioner Lorenz is known as a national leader in policy development, collaboration and implementing vision initiatives. She previously led strategic consulting for Burns & McDonnell’s Transportation Group from 2011 through 2018. Lorenz served as the Director of Public Affairs at the KDOT, where she led strategic planning and integrated collaboration/ communication efforts from 2002 to 2011. Notably, KDOT secured an $8.2 billion 10-year funding program in spring 2010, resulting largely from stakeholder collaboration and a focus on economic impact analysis.
Eric Bunch, Secretary, City of Kansas City, Missouri. Eric Bunch represents the city's fourth city council district which includes Downtown, the Historic Northeast, Country Club Plaza, and a bit of Clay County. He is serving his first term on the city council following a decade of work in community advocacy, neighborhood planning and transportation policy. An urban planner, Eric has created actionable blueprints for multiple school districts in the region to make their school zones safer. Eric co-founded BikeWalkKC, which advocates walkability and provides educational programming to 10,000 students across the region. He has managed millions in federal dollars and delivered projects to expand the reach of public transit. He served four years as the Mayor Sly James' appointee to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Melinda K. Rocha, Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas. Melinda Rocha was appointed to the KCATA Board of Commissioners by Unified Government Mayor Christal Watson. Rocha is the Owner and President of CJ Industries, LLC, a Kansas City-based firm where she has led operations and strategic growth since 2013. As the first female owner, Rocha oversees all aspects of business management, including financial planning, compliance, safety and union relations. She holds a Master Plumber license and brings extensive expertise in project management and OSHA safety standards
“I appreciate the acknowledgement and support of my fellow Board members,” said Chair Commissioner Williams. “I fully embrace the KCATA’s mission to elevate how public transportation provides the community equitable access to jobs, education, medical care and housing. I’m honored to represent the great people of Wyandotte County in this capacity and to bring a diverse set of skills and experience to the table.” Williams added that the KCATA has many activities that the Board and staff are working hard to bring to fruition including returning to fares on buses, planning for World Cup transit needs for residents and visitors, difficult budget decisions, and a national search for a new President-CEO of the Authority.
The KCATA is governed by a 10-member Board of Commissioners, five from Missouri and five from Kansas. Commissioners are limited to two consecutive four-year terms. The Board is responsible for adopting all general policies of the Authority, including the adoption of annual capital and operating budgets, establishing strategic direction and goals for the Authority, approval of significant agreements and contracts, and the selection of a President/CEO. The Board may delegate certain duties and responsibilities to the President/CEO for the management and operation of the Authority.
Commissioners are limited to two consecutive four-year terms. For more information on KCATA's Board Of Commissioners , please visit https://www.kcata.org/about_kcata/entries/board_of_commissioners
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About KCATA: Congress established the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) in 1966, granting jurisdiction over a region spanning two states, seven counties and over 100 cities. KCATA utilizes its authority to enhance public transportation accessibility and broaden service options. This is achieved through a range of transportation services and the development of transit-oriented community development facility projects. The authority operates under the public-facing brand RideKC. In 2022, KCATA earned recognition as North America's top mid-sized transit agency for its innovative leadership. For more information, visit the KCATA website at kcata.org. To find the nearest stop and join the journey, visit ridekc.org.
Contact:
Kiona Sinks, Director Marketing & Communications
816.998.9640 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)