NORTA board elects Raymond chair, Walton vice chair

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority's (NORTA) board has elected Mark Raymond Jr. chair.

Arthur Walton was chosen as the board's vice chair and finance committee chair, NORTA officials said in a press release.

Raymond is a disability advocate and founder of the Split-Second Foundation, which focuses on breaking barriers for people with disabilities, NORTA officials said. In his previous roles as vice chair and chairman of the finance committee, Raymond championed accessibility initiatives, including the introduction of NORTA’s first ADA-compliant streetcars on the St. Charles Streetcar Line.

Raymond succeeds Flozell Daniels, who served 11 years on the board, the past four as chair.

"Commissioner Raymond is a proven, solutions-oriented leader with a deep commitment to improving the lives of underserved and disabled communities," said NORTA CEO Alex Wiggins. "He brings vision, dedication and experience to the board."