Mesquite is set to get a fresh face on the STAR Transit board of directors. City Councilmember Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross, representing District 3, has been tapped for a leadership role on the board, bringing a hefty resume of local service with her. Sources close to the news say Rodriguez-Ross will fill a Place 6 vacancy, an opening birthed by the retirement of former member Debbie Anderson.
Having built her reputation on years of civic involvement, Rodriguez-Ross served on Mesquite’s Planning and Zoning Board and has been a figure in local groups such as the Galloway Elementary PTA, Mesquite Elks Lodge, and the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. The City of Mesquite, Texas praised her, saying, “Elizabeth’s ongoing community service speaks volumes about her passion for making a positive impact.” STAR Transit’s Executive Director Tommy Henricks expressed confidence that her "dedication helping to shape the future of transportation in our region" will be a boon for the agency.
Joining Rodriguez-Ross as a newcomer to the board is Maranda Auzenne, who snagged the Place 7 alternate seat. Auzenne boasts an illustrious career in commercial real estate and serves as a City Council member for Cedar Hill. She is recognized for her work championing diversity and assisting women in breaking into the industry. Her joining reiterates STAR Transit's commitment "to having representation from across the diverse STAR Transit service area," as stated by Henricks, per the City of Mesquite, Texas.
STAR Transit, existing since 1988, stands tall as the fourth-largest transit agency in the North Central Texas region—a surprising feat, given it operates without the muscle of sales tax funding. Instead, the agency muscle up through federal and state grants and partnerships with local entities. On an annual basis, they boast over 215,000 rides provided by more than 100 employees.
