RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is excited to announce that Deanna Oware has joined the agency as its next Chief Financial Officer to provide financial leadership to Virginia’s investment in rail and public transportation programs. Oware, who comes to DRPT from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, began her new position on June 10.

Oware will oversee DRPT’s $1 billion budget composed of state, federal, and local resources that go toward improving rail and public transportation capacity and service across the Commonwealth. As CFO, Oware will lead budget, financial programming, financial reporting, fiscal operations, and audit.

Oware comes to DRPT with over 20 years of progressively responsible experience with the State of Indiana. Most recently, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, a position she held for five years. Her previous roles include serving as the Deputy Budget Director and Budget Analyst for the Indiana State Budget Agency, Chief Budget Officer and Director of Grants for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Community Development Director for what is now the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Deanna Oware to DRPT as its next Chief Financial Officer,” DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl said. “Deanna has a proven track record of sound judgement and delivering value. She will continue our work of having solid financial services at DRPT.”

“I’m honored and excited to join the hardworking team at DRPT,” Oware said. “Virginians can know that the responsible stewardship of taxpayer money will continue to be a priority at DRPT.”

Oware has also served on numerous professional and community boards and commissions, including the Board of the Indiana Public Retirement System. The Indianapolis Business Journal recognized her as 2021 CFO of the Year for Governmental/Non-Profit Entities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in bioenvironmental science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration focused in public finance and urban management from Indiana University.