CATS Board Confirms Deville as the Agency’s Permanent CEO

The Board of the Capital Area Transit System on Tuesday voted to hire veteran transportation administrator William “Bill” Deville to be its permanent CEO, following a national search to fill the position.

Deville has served as the agency’s interim CEO for several months. Deville has worked in transportation for more than 32 years. Following Tuesday night’s vote, Jim Brandt, the board’s chair, is authorized to negotiate a contract with Deville, which should take several days.

“Bill has proven himself as a valuable asset for CATS, leading the agency in trying times in recent months,” Brandt said. “He has a vision for the future of transit in Baton Rouge and the experience to improve the way CATS services the community.”

Deville said, “I am grateful for the board’s support and energized about the future of CATS and our city. I am looking forward to getting out in the community to meet more riders and, along with our dedicated team, am committed to improving CATS. Our community deserves a transit system that meets the needs of its riders, supports the productivity and growth of local businesses and aids in the reduction of traffic and congestion on our roads, all while focusing on safety.”

Deville is the former CEO of the Regional Transit Authority in New Orleans, a role that he served in during Hurricane Katrina. Deville’s 22-year career with the RTA also included stints as its budget director and chief financial officer.

After leaving the RTA, Deville worked in FEMA’s transitional recovery office in New Orleans. He joined CATS in 2013 as the chief operating officer and project manager through MV Transportation, the private company that helped implement the CATS route expansion in 2013.

Deville was selected by a search committee made up of CATS board members and members of the community, which interviewed two finalists last week.

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