PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority has announced that their board of directors has a new chief executive officer. Christopher Durand has been appointed to take over the position following the resignation of former CEO, Scott Avedisian. Avedisian resigned after he was cited for a hit-and-run at a McDonalds on Post Road in Warwick last year. According to RIPTA, Durand has been serving as the Interim CEO since Avedisian’s resignation. RIPTA said Durand played a pivotal role in guiding RIPTA through the “unprecedented financial and operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ensuring the agency maintained service despite significant revenue declines.” “His extensive experience within RIPTA includes key positions such as Budget Analyst, Senior Financial Analyst, Director of Finance and Budget, and Executive Director of Finance and Budget, each contributing to his deep understanding of the agency’s operations and fiscal strategies,” RIPTA said in a release. “Chris brings experience and innovative leadership to the table at a time when RIPTA must continue to adapt to a post-pandemic environment. Glad it’s official!” said Governor Dan McKee in a X post. McKee has also announced that he will be nominating Deborah Goddard to serve as secretary of Rhode Island’s Department of Housing. According to McKee’s office, Goddard has more than 40 years of experience in the field, and has previously worked at New York City’s Housing Authority, where she oversaw $3 billion of construction builds and helped “advance the agency’s energy and sustainability programs.” Goddard has been currently leading the Massachusetts-based DJ Goddard Consulting, which “advises and provides organizational and process analysis for public, quasi-public, and nonprofit agencies.” Categories: News