Hillsborough transit chief departs, taking $88,000 with her

Adelee Le Grand's recent resignation from her role as chief executive of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) agency marks the end of a tumultuous two-and-a-half-year tenure. She received a severance package of $88,438. 71, inclusive of two months of health insurance, amidst a backdrop of a taxpayer-funded investigation into her leadership style. Initiated in March, the investigation revealed that Le Grand's actions led to poor morale, violations of agency policy, and significant organizational disruption. Following a thorough debate, the HART board unanimously agreed that her departure was necessary, reflecting urgent calls for improved management oversight.

As the agency navigates this leadership change, state lawmakers are also contemplating a review of HART’s management structure to boost efficiency and service quality. Le Grand had vowed to create a culture of "trust and transparency," but the findings of the investigation suggested a profound disconnect between her objectives and the agency's operational realities. This development has raised concerns about public transit governance and the accountability of executive leadership. The HART board's decision exemplifies the ongoing challenges transit agencies face in aligning leadership with effective service delivery.