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Debbie Cotton Named Director for Phoenix Public Transit Department

(Phoenix, AZ - May 17, 2005) Debbie Cotton has been permanently named Director of the Phoenix Public Transit Department after acting in that capacity since November 2003. The Public Transit Department has about 40 million passenger boardings per year on its transit fleet as the largest member of the Valley Metro - a membership organization of government transit providers.

She oversees 84 city employees in a department with an annual operating budget of $140 million that contracts with several private companies to provide fixed-route (local, commuter, and circulator) and Dial-a-Ride services. The former Chicagoan has more than 12 years of local government experience including administering the department's technology programs, implementing technology standards, and leading regional transit projects.

"Debbie has several great strengths that made her one of the best candidates for the position," says supervisor Tom Callow, Senior Executive Assistant to the City Manager. "She brings an important blend of private and public sectors experience. Coming from a computer background she understands the importance of a well-running system - that is especially applicable to a transit system. And with her deep understanding of technology she will serve as a knowledgeable guide for the city and the region as we continue to modernize our transit operations and vehicle fleets."

Cotton holds a Bachelor of Arts Science in Speech and Hearing Science from Western Illinois University and a Master's of Public Administration Degree from Arizona State University. She was previously employed by the Xerox Corporation for 12 years and at the Resolution Trust Corporation. Her professional affiliations include memberships to the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Conference for Minority Transportation Officials and the American Public Transportation Association. She also serves on the Executive Board for the Wysr Academy, a private non-profit workforce development organization and is an active member of Tanner Chapel AME Church.

Her bus route is RAPID Route SR-51, one of Phoenix's newest commuter routes, and she prefers the aisle seat.