Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is the primary public transit provider throughout the state of Rhode Island. It provides bus transit within the state that connects cities and towns through fixed, regular routes and schedules. It also ensures that transport is available to all residents by offering paratransit services for people with disabilities.
About Us
Christopher Durand
CEO
On April 16, 2024, Christopher Durand was appointed with a unanimous vote by the RIPTA Board of Directors to serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer. Christopher first joined RIPTA in 2014 serving as a Budget Analyst before being promoted to Sr. Financial Analyst in 2016, Director of Finance and Budget in 2018, Executive Director of Finance and Budget in 2020, culminating in a promotion to Chief Financial Officer in 2021. Chris briefly left RIPTA in January of 2018 only to realize he had a true passion for transit and a strong desire to directly contribute to a first-class transit system in his home state of beautiful Rhode Island. He successfully reapplied seven months later and hasn’t slowed down since. According to Christopher, his time at RIPTA is best described as fast paced, challenging and rewarding all at the same time, and he wouldn’t change it. Christopher is a proud University of Rhode Island graduate who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance in 2014. Christopher was very instrumental in helping RIPTA navigate the financial challenges during the COVID-19 crisis of 2020 when RIPTA managed to maintain all service despite dramatic decreases in revenue.
Christopher lives in Cumberland with his wife and two young children. He’s a Rhode Islander through and through and has no plans to leave.
Christopher welcomes the opportunity to continue to build on RIPTA’s successes and is committed to advancing a robust transit system the people of Rhode Island need and deserve.
Youth Participants
My name is Matthew Lepore, and I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management and healthcare management at the New England Institute of Technology. My academic journey began with an associate’s degree in business management, which sparked my interest in the intersection of business and healthcare. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in management strategies, financial analysis, and healthcare systems. I am also an active member of the Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM), where I have enhanced my leadership skills and professional network through various competitions, workshops, and seminars. I am dedicated to continuous personal development and community involvement, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the business and healthcare sectors. As I advance in my career, I look forward to contributing to the improvement of healthcare management and driving efficiency and innovation within organizations.
My name is Annabel Restrepo, a driven Hispanic woman passionate about Game Design and 3D modeling. I am dedicated to mastering game development and visual storytelling, striving to create impactful and memorable experiences in the gaming industry. With a diverse background in computer science, graphic design, and animation, I have honed my skills through hands-on experience and experimentation. My journey is fueled by a curiosity and determination to explore new techniques and technologies. I believe in the power of games to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire empathy, and I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what games can achieve. Today, I stand at the forefront of innovation in gaming, using my unique perspective and creative talents to make a difference through immersive worlds, captivating characters, and cutting-edge technologies.
I am Kolby Cosgrove, a Bachelor’s student at the New England Institute of Technology, where I’ve been studying graphic design since the fall of 2022. My passion for graphic design stems from my photography background at Portsmouth High School, where I learned the basics of both photography and graphic design principles. In 2023, I became a lab technician in the graphic design department, managing rooms and equipment, and assisting the department head with social media and departmental tasks. I also represented the Graphic Design department at several open houses. Additionally, I contributed as a photographer at the 3rd annual SAM Rhode Island Breakfast in 2023, capturing both candid and portrait shots of the event.
I am Raven Bernardo, a dedicated bachelor student at the New England Institute of Technology, pursuing a degree in Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design. With a passion for creative expression, I have developed my skills as a technical designer and indie filmmaker, consistently bringing innovative visions to life. As a versatile freelance graphic designer, I combine technical expertise with artistic flair to deliver impactful designs and compelling multimedia projects. My ultimate career goal is to become a production designer in the film industry, driven by my lifelong love for creating immersive spaces. I am deeply inspired by the power of well-designed environments to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling. In addition to my academic and professional endeavors, I continuously explore new ways to push the boundaries of design and multimedia, positioning myself as a rising talent in the creative industry, poised to make significant contributions to the world of film and beyond.
I am Spencer, a dedicated Software Engineering student in my final term at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT). Having graduated with an Associate’s degree, I returned for my Bachelor’s and have consistently made the Dean’s list every term. I am proficient in JavaScript, PHP, C#, Java, SQL, and more, excelling in programming, visual design, and coordinating large-scale team projects. Recognized for my expertise, I was invited by the IT department head to tutor fellow students, a role I have successfully fulfilled for over 2.5 years. My passion for problem-solving and intuitive understanding of computer logic set me apart as a natural coder and trusted mentor. Additionally, I am a skilled presenter and writer, with two of my papers in contention for the Best of Humanities and Social Sciences award at NEIT. My hard work, continuous learning mindset, empathy, and support for friends and family define my character. As I transition from college to the professional world, I aim to nurture these traits and contribute meaningfully to the field of software engineering.
I am Suraya Munna, a dedicated student at the New England Institute of Technology, majoring in graphic design. Having earned my Associate’s Degree in Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design, I am now pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree. My commitment to my craft extends beyond the classroom, where I actively contribute to my school community. I hold a graphic design position in the Student Activities office, creating both print and digital signage to promote school-wide events, which helps keep students informed and enriches campus life. Additionally, I work as a Mailroom Assistant, ensuring efficient mail distribution, and serve as a Resident Assistant, where I support and foster a safe and welcoming living environment through organizing community-building activities and providing peer support. Balancing these multiple roles, I demonstrate dedication and versatility, making a positive impact on my campus both academically and through my various student employment positions.