RIPTA Names Durand Chief Executive Officer, Claims Salary Has Not Been Set

RIPTA Names Durand Chief Executive Officer, Claims Salary Has Not Been Set

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced on Thursday that its Board of Directors has named Christopher Durand as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 21, 2024. He has been serving as the Interim Chief Executive Officer since April 16, 2024, following his unanimous appointment by RIPTA’s Board of Directors.

Peter Alviti, the Director of Transportation in Rhode Island, is the chair of the RIPTA board.

When asked what Durand will be paid in his role, RIPTA spokesperson Cristy Raposo Perry said the salary had not been determined.

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“They voted to offer him the position. The board will approve the contact at the next meeting,” she said.

Durand took over after Scott Avedisian was forced to resign. At the time of his resignation, Avedisian was paid $181,795.82.

As acting CEO, Durand was paid $185431.74,

Durand, a Rhode Island native and University of Rhode Island graduate, has worked at RIPTA since 2014, including serving as Chief Financial Officer since 2021; he has overseen the agency's financial operations with a strategic vision.

"Durand played a pivotal role in guiding RIPTA through the unprecedented financial and operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ensuring the agency maintained service despite significant revenue declines. His extensive experience within RIPTA includes key positions such as Budget Analyst, Senior Financial Analyst, Director of Finance and Budget, and Executive Director of Finance and Budget, each contributing to his deep understanding of the agency's operations and fiscal strategies," said RIPTA in its announcement.