RTA Removed CEO Candidate Following Search Firm Update
The RTA excluded Derrick Breun from its final shortlist after a search firm finalized its candidate list in August.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
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The RTA search firm KL2 Connects removed candidate Derrick Breun from the CEO shortlist in August 2026. This decision followed feedback from Mayor Helena Moreno, who sought to increase local representation in the leadership search.
Why it matters
The search for a new CEO has been influenced by local political pressure from Mayor Helena Moreno and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1560. Their intervention ensured local candidates were added to the list to better represent the New Orleans community.
The RTA board awarded a $60,000 contract to KL2 Connects to manage the search process. While there were initially 5 semifinalists, the field has been narrowed to 3 active finalists.
The players
Helena Moreno
She is the Mayor of New Orleans who intervened to advocate for local candidates in the CEO search.
KL2 Connects
This is the search firm hired by the RTA under a $60,000 contract to manage the CEO recruitment process.
Derrick Breun
He is an industry professional with 27 years of experience who was removed from the CEO shortlist.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1560
This organization represents approximately 500 employees and urged the mayor to expand the candidate field.
Lona Edwards Hankins
She is the former RTA CEO who resigned from her position in May.
The details
After the search firm KL2 Connects submitted its final shortlist on August 13, Mayor Helena Moreno successfully intervened to add local candidates Mark Major and Justin Augustin. Following the withdrawal of finalist Bernard Jackson in September, the board moved to finalize its selection process for the agency, which has been without a permanent leader since the resignation of Lona Edwards Hankins in May.
Timeline
Early August: KL2 Connects informed Breun he was a semifinalist.
August 13: KL2 Connects submitted the final shortlist to the RTA.
Late August: The RTA board narrowed the field to three finalists.
September 17: Finalist Bernard Jackson withdrew his application.
October 27: The RTA board plans to vote on a new CEO.
Market Landscape
The recruitment process reflects the ongoing regional governance shift following the 2024 withdrawal of Jefferson Parish from the RTA board. This leadership search serves as a critical test for the agency as it attempts to stabilize operations after recent administrative changes.
The selection of a new CEO directly impacts the quality of transit services for daily commuters in New Orleans. Residents should monitor the upcoming community forum to understand how the new leadership may address long-term agency stability.
The takeaway
Public involvement in executive searches can effectively force agencies to prioritize local candidates. Residents can participate in upcoming forums to ensure their voices are heard regarding the future of city transit.
What happens next
The three remaining CEO finalists are scheduled to appear at a community forum on Oct. 26. The RTA board is then set to interview these candidates and vote on the final selection on Oct. 27.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership, visit the New Orleans People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
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