Erin Hockman has been named the new CEO of the Des Moines Regional Transit Authority, succeeding Amanda Wanke, who is leaving to join Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Hockman will begin her new duties on May 7, leading an organization she has served for 10 years, most recently as chief administrative and strategy officer.

“Erin is a proven leader who’s been at the heart of DART’s work for years and has earned the trust of this commission and the member communities DART serves,” Connie Boesen, chair of the DART Commission, said in a news release announcing Hockman’s promotion on Friday. “She’s passionate about what public transit makes possible and has helped shape it, with a deep commitment to the personal and economic impact it has on people’s lives.”

In her new role, Hockman will guide the regional transit agency that provides 3.75 million rides each year and serves 11 Central Iowa communities.

She was instrumental in the recent Reimagine DART initiative to redesign the transit system. The newly redesigned transit network is scheduled to launch in June.

“As we get ready to roll out Reimagine DART and whatever follows in the years ahead, we’re confident she’s the right person to continue advancing public transit’s impact in Greater Des Moines,” Boesen said.

Hockman joined DART in 2016 as marketing and communications manager. Before DART, she worked at Kemin Industries for eight years, where she served in multiple roles focused on strategic communication, executive counsel, employee relations, and public relations and marketing.

At DART, Hockman has played a key role in shaping organizational strategy and worked closely with the CEO to align priorities and guide both short-term and long-term planning.

Hockman said the decision to move into the CEO role was an easy one because of the exceptional team she will continue to work with.

“Our success is driven by talented, dedicated employees at every level who are committed to delivering their best for our riders and the communities we serve,” she said in the release. “I am excited about the transformative changes we’re making to our bus routes next month, which will expand access to more people while delivering a stronger return on investment and lowering costs to taxpayers.”

Hockman earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Truman State University, with a minor in business administration.

“I’m honored to serve as DART’s next CEO and continue doing work I’m passionate about, especially at such an important time for DART,” Hockman said.