Erica Tait Picked As Jonesboro MPO Director

The Transportation Policy Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) named Erica Tait of Jonesboro to serve as the new director of the organization, effective immediately, Jonesboro city communications director Fritz Gisler said.

Tait, who recently held the position of assistant MPO planner, was chosen for the position of director due to her demonstrated ability and to help provide continuity to the organization, Gisler said.

Tait said she was ready to serve.

“I am very excited to be working in an even greater capacity with the public and the region’s elected officials to help with planning and recommendations on transportation issues of both today and the future,” Tait said.

Council member John Street, who serves as chair of the Transportation Policy Committee, said he is enthusiastic about the choice.

“We are very confident that Erica will do a great job leading the MPO. She has shown us already she is the right choice for the job,” Street said.

Tait brings many years of experience in administration, management, and finance to the position. She is a member of both the American Planning Association and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

Patrick Dennis, the former director, recently resigned. He will work with the MPO in a limited capacity until a new Assistant MPO Planner can be hired.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization provides technical assistance related to transportation and development planning; conducts special transportation studies; and engages in a variety of other activities that promote regional planning.