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.

Samuel Buckley – Policy Director

Sam Buckley serves as the Policy Director for RIDE New Orleans, where he leads RIDE’s research and analysis of transportation policy issues. Prior to joining RIDE, Sam spent four years with the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission (RPC), most recently as Senior Transportation Planner. His work at the RPC focused on improving the quality of walking, biking, and public transit options for Greater New Orleans residents, and on developing equitable community engagement strategies for planning and transportation issues. A New Orleans native, Sam completed his Master in Urban and Regional Planning degree at UNO in 2017. Sam lives a few short blocks from Bayou St. John and you can catch him regularly on the #9 Broad and #91 Jackson-Esplanade buses. After work, you’ll find Sam taking walks along the bayou or riding his bike through City Park.

Shirani Jayasuriya – Communications & Outreach Manager

Shirani serves as RIDE’s Communications Manager 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 bus or the # 12 St. Charles Streetcar, both of which she rides regularly.

Board of Directors