NCPTA Names New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public Transportation Association has named Maureen McGuinness as its Executive Director.

Board President L.J. Weslowski said, "Maureen comes to us with extensive experience, centered around more than 20 years working with and managing non-profit organizations and associations like NCPTA. Her strengths include member relations, communication, government advocacy, workforce development, and revenue generation. She has hit the ground running this week and is getting up to speed quickly, already working in a number of areas."

Maureen previously served as President and CEO of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce in Johnston County, North Carolina, and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce in New York. She also held membership and economic development roles at the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce in Troy, New York. Throughout her chamber career, she strengthened member engagement and retention, developed workforce initiatives, expanded sponsorship and advertising revenue, and worked with elected officials to advance member priorities. At Triangle East, she secured $250,000 in state funding for workforce development programming and led a $1.3 million capital campaign.

Throughout her career, Maureen has worked closely with transportation professionals, including public transportation providers, community airports, and commercial ports. These relationships have informed her understanding of transportation’s role in workforce access, economic opportunity, and quality of life.

As Executive Director, Maureen will work with NCPTA’s Board, committees, members, business and community partners to advance the Association’s priorities in advocacy, partnerships, education, and training. She brings experience supporting boards and volunteer committees, managing organizational operations, strengthening communications, and building consensus among members with diverse needs and priorities.

Maureen lives in Smithfield and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Marist University. She has also completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship and Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program.

Maureen can be reached at 919.631.8792 or at director@nctransit.org