Andrew Aiello

First, his professional life: Andrew Aiello serves as CEO and GM for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), which provides fixed-route, mobility on-demand and paratransit service in Greater Cincinnati. Prior to joining SORTA in 2022, Aiello served as GM of the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), a role he held since 2010, overseeing the daily operations and strategic direction of the regional transit system. Aiello holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Philosophy from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and an MBA from the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business.

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What do you like best about your current city of residence?

Cincinnati is a beautiful city. Hills, rivers, a vibrant downtown, an amazing arts scene and 52 distinct neighborhoods within the city limits make this town special. The livability in Cincinnati is off the charts. We have all of the big-city amenities (professional sports, fine arts, world-class dining and amazing historic architecture) combined with safe and walkable neighborhoods, low cost of living and easy commutes. There is always something new and unexpected happening in Cincinnati, but it is also a community where it is easy to connect with organizations and get engaged in community initiatives.

Despite busy weekend schedules, Aiello and his wife, Sylvia, occasionally find time to participate in competitive runs.

What does your Saturday morning routine look like?

No two Saturdays are alike for me. With two teenage sons, my weekends are filled with cross-country meets, soccer games, house projects and time with friends and family. If I'm not cheering on the kids, I'll be in the woods running with my wife or riding mountain bikes with my friends. The Cincinnati region has a great parks system and off-road trail networks that allow me to pop into the woods and soak in nature without having to leave the city.

Favorite travel destinations?

One of my favorite places to travel is to the mountains of western North Carolina. It is a beautiful part of the country with world-class mountain biking and hiking trails. This region was devastated due to the flooding associated with hurricane Helene. I hope that I (and others) can travel there soon to support their recovery efforts.

Favorite book?

My favorite book is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. It's an amazing and powerful historical novel about two sisters and their descendants over a course of 300 years.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I was a drummer in a band in college.

Favorite genre of music?

I enjoy modern rock. When I listen it takes me back to my youth listening to WOXY in Oxford, Ohio. That's the infamous station referenced by Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie "Rain Man" as the "Future of Rock & Roll!"

Aiello enjoys riding mountain bikes with his two teenage sons.

Favorite way to stay active?

Riding the bus! I'm a frequent bus rider and get a lot of extra steps in my day when I use public transportation. I love walking from my bus to the office when the sun is coming up and the city is starting to come alive. It is a great way to start the day. Riding the bus also helps me get outside even with the weather isn't great. It's way better than a treadmill.

Another great thing about riding the bus is the opportunity to interact with the stars of the show, our bus operators. Sometimes we talk shop — what's working well in the system and what can be improved. Sometimes we just get to know each other a bit more — we talk about family, our favorite parts of the city or their plans for an upcoming vacation. It's a great place to build community and strengthen the team.

Favorite way to relax?

Listening to the Reds game on the radio while I work on projects around the house. The sound of the Reds game takes me back to my youth, it is the sound of summer, and it sets the right pace to help the mind unwind.

Any house projects you want to elaborate on?

My son and I are currently rebuilding our backyard shed that was destroyed by a tree that fell during a windstorm. We get to take our time, plan out our work and have fun along the way. It's not the fastest or most cost-effective way to rebuild, but it's a great way to spend time together.

A son's soccer game brings together three generations of the Aiello family.

Tell us about a memory you have of riding public transit.

When I grew up in Dayton, Ohio, I remember taking the bus downtown with my mother and brother to go to the main public library, to shop, etc. At the time, our route still used electric trolley buses with overhead electric wires powering the bus. The lights inside the bus would flash on and off when the bus went through an intersection and crossed lines with the route on the intersecting street. A neat memory that added to the excitement that most kids feel when they get to ride the bus.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

There are few things in life that I like more than a good sandwich. It could be a classic Italian sub, a turkey club or a messy Reuben, and I'm sold. While others order dessert, I'll order a second sandwich.

What do you think you would be doing if you didn't work in public transportation?

Transportation is amazing because it is intertwined with so many different parts of the community — from education to healthcare, from workforce development to tourism, and the list goes on. If I wasn't working directly in the public transportation industry, I would be working in one of the other mission-driven spaces focused on improving communities and improving outcomes for everyone in our region

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