IndyGo Plans For Leadership Transition

Inez Evans

After nearly five years at the helm of the agency, IndyGo (Indianapolis, IN-indygo.net) President and CEO Inez Evans has notified IndyGo of her plans to depart from her position on Dec. 31, 2023. The IndyGo Board of Directors is poised to accept her resignation and celebrate her tenure during the upcoming board meeting on December 14. Also during this meeting, the board will formally appoint Jennifer Pyrz to serve as interim CEO until the appointment of a new permanent CEO.

“Ms. Evans’ unwavering leadership and unparalleled expertise made her a true trailblazer. She will leave an indelible mark on Indianapolis. The IndyGo Board and the agency’s leadership are committed to uplifting her during this time of transition,” Mary Ann Fagan, a member of IndyGo’s Board of Directors, said. “We are grateful to Jennifer Pyrz for stepping in as interim CEO. She understands this agency and the vital service the IndyGo team provides to the city of Indianapolis, and we have no doubt she will continue the positive trajectory of the journey we’ve been on.”

According to a press release, “Evans’ tenure at IndyGo brought national and international recognition to both the agency and her leadership. Her continued commitment to clean energy led to IndyGo’s recent selection as a 2023 Clean Air Award recipient by the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), making it the first public transportation agency to receive the honor. Her efforts on behalf of public transit in the Indianapolis community were recognized in May 2023 by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) with the annual Shirley DeLibero COMTO Woman Who Moves the Nation Award. She was also named the 2023 Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International Woman of the Year.

Jennifer Pyrz

“As IndyGo’s leader, Evans oversaw the construction and completion of IndyGo’s new 110,000-square-foot East Campus headquarters facility while leading the agency’s nearly 800 employees, directing a fleet of more than 300 vehicles, and managing a total budget of more than $256 million. She also collaborated closely with the (Indianapolis Mayor Joe) Hogsett administration and the City-County Council to increase the city’s commitment to transit-oriented development.”

“During her time as President and CEO, Inez has led IndyGo through a pivotal time for the expansion of bus rapid transit. The agency launched the Red Line, weathered the challenges of the pandemic, and is now well on its way to constructing the Purple Line, with the Blue Line to follow,” Mayor Hogsett said in a statement. “Improved access to transit means better access to jobs, education and opportunities that boost quality of life. Our city is grateful for her service.”

“Preparations to implement a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO will begin over the next several months and IndyGo will provide updates as this work progresses,” according to the release.