Staff and Board

Courtney Jackson – Executive Director

Courtney serves as RIDE’s Executive Director, in charge of RIDE’s campaigns, fundraising and communications,  staff management, and developing overall strategy. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Courtney served as RIDE’s Organizer and Storyteller for three years, working to expand RIDE’s grassroots network of transit riders via direct organizing, relationship building, and facilitating monthly transit rider meet-ups. Before her RIDE tenure, Courtney worked in mental health advocacy for both children and adults where she witnessed the importance of equitable and reliable transit on the lives and success of her clients. Courtney was born and raised in San Francisco but considers New Orleans home. As an avid photographer, she often frequents her favorite place in New Orleans – the live Oaks of City park – which means you’ll probably catch her on the # 91 Jackson-Esplanade.

Shirani Jayasuriya – Director of Communications & Outreach

Shirani serves as RIDE’s Director of Communications & Outreach and is responsible for conveying the organization’s vision to the community, as well as relaying critical information via multiple platforms. She maintains a close relationship with transit riders to ensure RIDE’s continued commitment to their needs. Shirani is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist who comes to RIDE with many years of experience as an organizer advocating for racial and economic equity within the Minneapolis Parks System in Minnesota. She is also a daily transit rider and recognizes the necessity of accessible transportation for all. Shirani grew up splitting time between family in New Orleans and Minneapolis and has been living in New Orleans full-time for over a decade. In her free time, she’s an arts and culture writer with a passion for music. Be sure to say hello if you see her on the # 11 Magazine or the #91 Jackson-Esplanade, both of which she rides regularly.

Bob Danton – Policy Manager

Bob serves as RIDE’s Policy Manager, leading policy and data analysis efforts. They oversee RIDE’s white paper and report production, open data maintenance, and act as the chair of RIDE’s member-led Policy Committee. Prior to joining RIDE, Bob served as the Project Manager for the Center for Equitable Transit Oriented Communities (CETOC) and the University of New Orleans Transportation Institute (UNOTI), facilitating cutting-edge research into the transit and transportation problems and solutions of today and tomorrow. Bob holds an MS in Urban Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and has published in journals including Cities, Journal of Planning Education and Research, and Journal of Transport Geography. As a researcher-activist, they believe spatial analysis is a powerful tool for uncovering patterns of inequity in mobility and access across urban fabrics. As regular rider, you may see Bob on routes including the # 55 Elysian Fields bus, the #49 Riverfront streetcar, and the Algiers Ferry.

Board of Directors