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HART Interim CEO Responds To Allegations Of ‘Hostile Work Environment’
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Atty. Carolyn House Stewart has served as the Interim Chief Executive Offi- cer for Hillsborough Area Re- gional Transit Authority (HART) for more than 8 months.
Atty. House Stewart is coming under fire this week after complaints have sur- faced alleging that she has created a “hostile working environment” that includes bullying.
Atty. House Stewart is also the Director of Risk and Legal Services for HART. She has served with HART since
2015.
Atty. House Stewart was
named Interim CEO in No- vember, 2019 after the then- current CEO Ben Limmer was suspended. She contin- ued in the position when the HART Board dismissed Lim- mer in February.
Then-chairman, Les Miller suggested that the Board hire Atty. House Stewart as the permanent replacement. However, there was opposition from some members who suggested that she apply for the job as they continued to search for a re- placement.
About the allegations, Atty. House Stewart
ATTY. CAROLYN HOUSE STEWART
stated:
“Since I have been in the
role of ICEO, I have observed a pattern of inequities, policy infractions and disdain for the patrons which HART is required to serve and provide viable transportation op- tions. As our mission states: HART takes people to the places that enhance their lives. It is through this prism that I have sought to rectify the inequities, ensure policies are followed and create a cul- ture that respects the fact that we exist because of our customers.
“In order to implement our VISION of sustainable and innovative transporta- tion, we must adhere to the governance that has been put
in place to keep the agency in compliance with our federal partners.
“Sometimes change is met with open arms or with closed fists. Though neces- sary, change is never easy or without some measure of re- sistance. It would be easy to allow the status quo until a new CEO is hired. However, in a time of great anxiety, un- certainty and upheaval, I have remained mission fo- cused and charted a course to legally protect the agency, re- main true to the mission, cre- ate a culture where our vision would be realized and all em- ployees are accountable and respected.”
FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 13-A