Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy to serve as a board member representative on the California Transit Association’s Executive Committee. I would very much welcome the opportunity to continue to serve our Association and to support our industry. 

 

My involvement with our Association spans forty years! I currently serve as the Chair of the Association’s Zero Emission Bus Taskforce, as a member of the Finance and Management Committee, and as a member of the IDEA Taskforce. I have previously served as a member of the Executive Committee, including serving as Chair. 

 

For the past twenty years, I have served as a member of the Board of Directors of Access Services. Access Services is an independent public agency that provides complementary paratransit services for the transit operators in Los Angeles County. The organization is a partnership of the 44 fixed route transit operators and has an annual budget of $252 million. I currently represent four of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board Members on the Access Services Board and do so separate from any other position I hold.  

 

In the industry, I am fortunate to hold several key positions. In addition to my role on the board at Access Services, I currently serve as the Chief Executive Officer for Foothill Transit in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County. It is in this capacity that I have served as a member of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer and Chair of the American Public Transportation Association. 

 

The future of our industry in California presents us with many challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing challenges is figuring out how to cost-effectively comply with the California Air Resources Board’s Innovating Clean Transit Rule. Complying with the ICT is one many cost pressures that we are facing as most transit systems seem to be facing a “fiscal cliff!”

 

Through our collective engagement in the California Transit Association, we will be able to address these challenges in ways that single transit systems simply could not. This ranges from the Association’s advocacy work in Sacramento to the exchange of information and ideas. We are all able to be more effective and to better serve our communities because of our collective efforts via the California Transit Association. I look forward to being part of the leadership team that will advance our efforts over the next two years. 

 

Again, thank you for your consideration. If I can answer any questions regarding my interest in this position, please do not hesitate to contact me at (626) 931-7200 or dbarnes@foothilltransit.org. 

 

As CEO of the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority, recognized as Agency of the Year in 2024, I bring more than two decades of experience and a proven record of success to the table. My career began behind the wheel as a bus driver, and over the years, I’ve held leadership roles in both public and private transportation. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on policy, funding, and operations that I’ll continue to bring to the California Transit Association Executive Committee.

 

Public transit is a lifeline for countless Californians, providing frequent, convenient, and affordable mobility. In Stanislaus County, we’ve seen ridership surpass pre-pandemic levels thanks to our bold initiative to consolidate local systems into a unified regional transit network. This effort has created stronger partnerships, improved connectivity, and delivered a seamless experience for riders. It also demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies work collaboratively to innovate and adapt to changing needs.

 

As an industry, we face both challenges and opportunities: rebuilding trust in public transportation, securing sustainable funding, and embracing new technologies that improve efficiency and accessibility. I believe smaller and mid-sized agencies play a critical role in shaping these solutions, and I am committed to ensuring their voices are heard at the state level. My focus will be on advocating for equitable funding, supporting policies that promote innovation, and sharing best practices that help all agencies thrive.

 

I am passionate about advancing public transportation statewide and ensuring every community, urban and rural, has access to reliable, sustainable transit. Together, we can make transit a first-choice option for more Californians, reduce congestion, and contribute to a cleaner, more connected future.

 

I would be honored to earn your vote and represent California’s transit agencies as we work together to shape the future of mobility.”

 

I’m running to represent our shared commitment to practical, scalable zero-emission mobility—and to bring hands-on expertise across the hydrogen value chain.

 

With nearly two decades in hydrogen infrastructure, I’ve worked across commercialization, project execution, and operations. At Air Liquide, I led hydrogen production projects and mobility sales across North America. Later, as Head of Hydrogen Sourcing at Nikola, I aligned infrastructure and supply with fleet needs. I also hold an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School.

 

Today, alongside other seasoned leaders, I co-founded Grove Hydrogen Solutions—a company purpose-built to support hydrogen station owners. We work with fuel cell bus operators, OEMs, and fuel retailers from day one. We provide operating and maintenance services, and owner representation—from planning to commissioning—to improve reliability and reduce operating costs, two key challenges for frontline teams transitioning to zero-emission mobility.

 

California’s ICT regulation requires all new bus purchases to be zero-emission by 2029. Agencies will need a mix of technologies, each with its own trade-offs. I bring both business and technical perspectives—grounded in real hydrogen projects—to assist our members in navigating this transition.

 

It would be an honor to serve on the Executive Committee—bringing hydrogen expertise and practical experience to help turn zero-emission goals into day-to-day operational success.

 

I am seeking reelection to the Association’s Executive Committee (Medium-Size Transit Operators).

 

I am a 33+ years transit professional, having served in the 1990s as an elected official on various transit/transportation Boards and Commissions, and on the administrative side as a General Manager/CEO of both bus and rail agencies - large, medium, and small.

 

Over the past two years I have attended all Executive Committee meetings with the exception of those few meetings that conflicted with my regularly scheduled Board meetings or a planned vacation.  In addition, I have continued to be an active member and participant on CTA’s State Legislative Committee and CTA’s Transit Transformation Advisory Committee.  Those of you who know me know that I am a passionate advocate for the small and mid-size transit agencies, advocating for new transit funding and continued growth in existing funding sources for transit - all ships rise. I was very active in CTA’s advocacy for new funding that resulted in SB 125. 

 

I continue to support and advocate for legislation that can result in lower electric rates and resiliency for electric buses; I regularly advocate for CARB to pump the brakes on the upcoming zero emission bus purchase mandates; I oppose legislation that results in unfunded mandates; and I oppose state legislation that may conflict with long established federal Regulations.  Lately, I have been strongly advocating on a federal level for solutions to deal with problematic MPOs. I hope you will agree that these positions are consistent with the collective interests of small and mid-size transit agencies.

 

In closing, the challenges ahead are many - Together we will get through this.  In the days, months, and years to come, we must continue to work together to grow ridership, transit funding, and to protect current transit funding.  We must work together to identify new and innovative ways to resolve the ongoing bus operator shortage, resolve devastating fiscal structural deficits, figure out new strategies to deal with the limited number of bus OEMs and the escalating price of a bus, along with the recurring impacts of inflation, and tariffs…just to name a few.

 

As always, please feel free to contact me to share your thoughts about the CTA or CTA’s legislative activities.

 

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the Executive Board of the California Transit Association (CTA). 

 

I have served as a business representative on the CTA Executive Board since 2019, and I have been proud to be able to represent our transit business community in this role. As an expert in public transit vehicles and zero emission technologies, I know firsthand the many challenges we all face in this sector, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for our business interests within CTA.

 

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Rachel Ede
Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy to continue to serve on the CTA Executive Committee representing California’s small operators.  I am the manager of Santa Rosa CityBus, a directly-operated municipal transit system in Sonoma County. I am currently completing a partial term on the Executive Committee and my fourth term as a member of CTA’s Small Operators Committee, having served as Chair from 2020-2022.  I have additionally served on CTA’s COVID-19 Transit Crisis Relief Task Force and PEPRA and 13c) Task Force.  I have been fortunate to experience a variety of roles during my 25 years in public transit.  Born and raised in southern California, I began my transit career with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, a state-wide transit system operating fixed-route and flexible services in rural, suburban, and urban areas.  After completing a master’s degree in Regional Planning I returned to California and served as a planning consultant working primarily to support small urban and rural transit and paratransit operators throughout the state.  I joined the Santa Rosa CityBus team in 2011, leading the comprehensive restructuring of the CityBus system before taking on the Transit Manager role in 2017.  

I recognize that there is a diversity of concerns and challenges facing small transit systems around the state, and as a member of the Executive Committee I will prioritize being open and accessible, and listening and learning in order to best represent your interests within the Association.  Some common goals I believe we share are ensuring that our ideas and realities are represented in state-level policymaking related to implementation of SB 125 and Transit Transformation Task Force recommendations, the Innovative Clean Transit rule, and TDA reform, and that we have the resources required to maintain our workforce and sustain and expand our services to meet our communities’ needs into the future in the face of unprecedented cost pressures and declining operating funding.

As the manager of a small system with limited staff and resources I value the role CTA plays in supporting and advocating for California’s public transit systems and the essential work we do.  It would be a privilege to continue to represent the small operator community as a member of the Executive Committee, and an honor to have your vote.

It’s been my honor to share the interests, concerns, and successes of small operators as one of your representatives to the Executive Committee.  Additionally, I currently serve as a member of the Zero-Emission Task Force, and as Chair of the Small Operators’ Committee.   

 

By serving on the aforementioned committees, it provides me the opportunity to hear firsthand the insights of and challenges faced by our fellow small operators, and in turn work with CTA leadership to advocate for solutions to benefit our industry and the public we serve.  For small operators in rural communities, the implementation of the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation, and processing of annual federal funding grants appear to be top of the list of challenges to be addressed.  Meanwhile, many small operators that serve small urban communities are struggling with structural imbalances in their operating budgets, similar to those faced by many of our much larger peers.   

 

Working together with our peers and CTA leadership, I feel our industry has accomplished a great deal by securing much needed SB 125 capital funding and safeguarding much of the Cap-and-Trade funding allocated to public transit. 

If you choose to re-elect me as one of your representatives, I will advocate on your behalf and share your successes, challenges, and interests.

 

I would like to present my qualifications for your consideration to be re-elected to the CTA Executive Committee. 

 

GILLIG, the leading bus OEM in CA, has long been seated on the CTA Executive Committee, protecting the interests of business members.  I am committed to continuing that responsibility as we move forward into the evolving dynamics of our transportation industry. With over 30 years of industry experience, I bring not only deep knowledge but also proven leadership skills that will be a vital asset to the CTA Executive Committee. My career diversification as a supplier, a manufacturer’s representative, and now with a bus OEM, has positioned me to play an influential role in advancing the success of many major industry business members.

 

I have a strong passion for making transportation more accessible to all transit riders, enhancing the rider experience, and expanding the economic impact of transit in every community. As our industry embraces and advocates for new technological advancements, we must ensure that the appropriate technology is adopted and advanced, the voices of business members and the riding public are heard, reauthorization initiatives are achieved without exception, and that environmental goals are both championed and properly funded. Equally important, we must continue our outreach to recruit, train, and support the diverse next generation of leaders our industry critically needs.

As a major OEM in the industry, GILLIG’s presence on the CTA Executive Committee represents a broad base of business members whose voices are vital to our collective success and to the mission of the CTA.

 

Currently, I serve as Vice President of Sales for GILLIG, reporting directly to our CEO, Derek Maunus. GILLIG has always been a proud and active member of the CTA, contributing meaningfully to its initiatives. As your Business Member representative, I will ensure that the priorities and perspectives of business members remain prominent and heard within the association.

 

In my senior executive role at GILLIG, as well as in prior positions, I have attended and participated in the majority of CTA Annual Meetings, APTA Annual Meetings and Expos, APTA Bus and Paratransit Conferences, numerous State Conferences across the US (California, Florida, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Washington, and more), and many technical and specification committees.  My executive-level responsibilities at GILLIG enable me to make impactful decisions that benefit both our industry and all business members. My work ethic, deep commitment to the association, and strong relationships across the business membership further strengthen the collaborative, team-based approach that supports the CTA’s mission.

 

In closing, I thank you for the opportunity to serve, and I respectfully ask for your vote in re-electing me to the CTA Executive Committee.

 

I am eager to serve on the California Transit Association’s Executive Committee as a representative of the industry suppliers and partners caucus. My career has been dedicated to strengthening the connections between public agencies and private innovators, with the goal of delivering more effective, sustainable, and equitable transit solutions for Californians.

 

My public service foundation began on Capitol Hill, where, as a Legislative Aide, I worked directly on transportation and infrastructure funding that brought millions of dollars to communities in the Bay Area. I later advanced this commitment at LA Metro, where I managed public outreach and environmental clearance for major capital projects, including Metro’s first attempt to deliver a public-private partnership (P3). I also collaborated with California High-Speed Rail and regional stakeholders to design strategies around energy use, emissions reduction, and financial feasibility. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of how policy, funding, and community priorities must align for large-scale projects to succeed.

 

In the private sector, I have built on this background by structuring realistic partnerships that meet the operational and financial needs of both agencies and private providers. At Uber Transit, I have negotiated and delivered multi-year contracts with major transit agencies, including LA Metro and BART, bringing innovative mobility solutions into the public realm. Prior to that, as a municipal finance consultant, I supported California transit clients in developing funding and political strategies to advance infrastructure initiatives. Across these roles, I have seen firsthand how thoughtful partnerships can expand service, enhance access, and maximize limited public resources.

 

I am a passionate advocate for public transit, not only as a policy professional but as someone who believes transit is essential to economic mobility, environmental progress, and social equity. My aim is to help California agencies do more: to deliver projects faster, secure sustainable funding, and partner with the private sector in ways that genuinely benefit riders.

 

I would be honored to contribute this perspective and experience to the Executive Committee.

 

With my over 30 years of leadership experience in the public transit industry, I am an ideal candidate for the role of CTA’s Executive Committee member. 

 

I am a result oriented, self-driven person who brings well-developed critical thinking and analytical skills to solve complex organizational problems. 

 

I am Kenneth McDonald and have served as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Long Beach Transit since August 2013. In September 2025, I was recognized as the Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the year by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). 

 

I have overseen transit programs on both the public and private sides of the transportation industry. I held executive leadership positions as Chief Operating Officer at SFMTA in San Francisco and Assistant General Manager of Operations at MARTA in Atlanta and led these agencies to operational excellence. 

 

During my current term representing medium size agencies on the CTA Executive Board of Directors, I have displayed: 

I am dedicated to “support the needs of California’s public transit systems through advocacy and education” of elected and public officials, stakeholders, community partners and transit customers. 

 

I take CTA’s core values of ethical behavior, integrity and accountability as part of my professional value system. I believe that diversity of people and thoughts are crucial for transit to survive in our constantly changing and evolving industry. Public transit is a vehicle for community enhancements, business development and economic vitality within any municipality in the United States. 

 

I am ready to serve on CTA’s Executive Committee and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve through California’s network of public transportation agencies. 

 

Patrick McKelvey
With over four decades of experience in the planning and design of transit facilities, I am honored to submit my candidacy to represent the Transit Industry Supplier Members on the California Transit Association’s Executive Committee. As Senior Principal at Stantec, I have led multidisciplinary teams across California and nationally, delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused transit infrastructure—from rail and bus stations and operations and maintenance facilities to zero-emission bus facilities. I have focused on implementing facility projects with utmost efficiency and improving the experience of the transit rider and the transit worker. My career has been defined by a commitment to advancing transit architecture that meets the evolving needs of agencies and riders alike. I’ve served as Principal-in-Charge on transformative projects for large and small agencies alike, including LA Metro, Glendale Beeline, Santa Cruz Metro, Norwalk Transit, Commerce Transit, Long Beach Transit, OCTA, SFMTA, Foothill Transit, FAX, NVTA, Pasadena Transit, SacRT, GCTD, GETD, and San Luis Obispo RTA, among others. These efforts have included master planning, new facilities, facility modernization, and the integration of battery electric bus and hydrogen infrastructure—critical steps toward California’s clean mobility goals.

Beyond project delivery, I am deeply engaged in shaping policy and practice. I’ve worked closely with agencies such as SamTrans, LA Metro, OCTA, Foothill Transit, and ECCTA under long-standing on-call contracts, building trusted partnerships and delivering results that reflect our shared values of equity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

I am eager to bring this experience to the Executive Committee, where I will advocate for improving the passenger and transit employee experience, design excellence, funding equity, and strategic innovation across our transit systems. I believe in the power of collaboration and am committed to representing our caucus with integrity, insight, and a relentless focus on outcomes that benefit all Californians.

Thank you for your consideration.

Seamus Murphy
I'm pleased to be considered for reappointment to the CTA Executive Committee. I have represented ferry, rail, and bus agencies in some capacity on the committee for almost a decade. CTA's accomplishments have elevated the organization's standing as California's most respected, and trusted voice on transit issues over that time, and I'm proud to continue to do everything I can to support those efforts. As always, the ongoing success of the Association is dependent on collaboration from a diverse coalition of dedicated members. CTA's work to support all modes is critical, and that means working to address the unique challenges facing ferry and passenger rail agencies around the state. I would be honored to continue my representation of these agencies on the Executive Committee and to make sure that work continues. 

 

I am seeking your support for one of the Governing Board member positions on the CTA Executive Committee.

 

I am a passionate supporter of public transportation and currently serve on the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, Metrolink, Board of Directors.

 

Public transit is critical to economic prosperity. Our public transit agencies must work even harder in these challenging fiscal times to build strong coalitions to ensure financial support for public transit. We must also work to ensure that state and federal policies and regulations support transit operations and innovation.

 

I am a passionate advocate for public transportation – and am a regular user of transit. We must continue to grow our relationship with organizations that support transit, including groups such as transit advocates, public health community, active transportation, new mobility, and organizations that support youth, seniors, and those with special needs.

 

I bring knowledge in transportation policy from my experiences having served as a Governing Board Member of public agencies that provide bus, light rail, heavy rail, and regional rail public transportation as former elected official in Santa Monica. I understand the importance of partnerships having served on the MPO for my region, the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Council and as its President as well as on the Board and President of CalCog, the association of California’s Councils of Government.

 

I believe public transit is not only an essential service, but also integral to community livability and economic prosperity. I ask for your vote so we can work together to strengthen our public transit systems throughout California.

 

Karen Philbrick
It is with deep commitment to advancing safe, sustainable mobility that I submit my candidacy to represent the supplier group caucus on the California Transit Association’s Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term.

Since 2014, I have had the honor of serving as the Executive Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San José State University, where I lead two competitively selected multi-university consortia – the award winning California State University Transportation Consortium which unifies the surface transportation research and workforce development efforts of the 23-campus California State University system and the Climate Change and Extreme Events Training and Research Program funded by the Federal Railroad Administration. In these roles, I work daily to strengthen our state and nation’s transit future through rigorous research, workforce development, and policy innovation.

My career has been dedicated to shaping the transportation field in both academic and policy arenas, from my early tenure as Assistant Director of the National Center for Intermodal Transportation at the University of Denver to my current leadership at MTI. I have been appointed four times by U.S. Secretaries of Transportation (Secretaries LaHood, Foxx, Chao, and Buttigieg) to serve on the USDOT Transit Advisory Committee for Safety, where I chaired critical work on fatigue management and safety systems.
Beyond MTI, I remain highly engaged in national and state leadership. In 2024, 

I was elected to the American Public Transportation Foundation Board, reelected as President of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association Research and Education Division, and appointed as a Director on APTA’s High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Committee. Locally, I was honored to serve as the 2023–24 President of the Rotary Club of San Jose, the ninth-largest club in the world (out of 46,000 clubs).

I am proud to be recognized for my service and leadership, including being named a 2024 Woman in Rail Honoree by Railway Age and delivering the keynote for WTS San Francisco Bay Area’s annual awards gala. These honors and experiences only prove to further strengthen my dedication to using every day to serve the industry and advance mobility for all.

If elected, I will bring this same dedication to the Executive Committee, working collaboratively to support CTA’s goals to advance transit-friendly policy, protect transit funding, and create a balanced, sustainable transportation system for all communities.

Vanessa Rauschenberger
As General Manager of the Gold Coast Transit District in Ventura County, I am honored to seek reelection to the Executive Committee of the California Transit Association. I bring to the Committee a collaborative perspective shaped by nearly 20 years in public transit and transportation planning. If reelected, I will focus on key areas including:

• Creative approaches to address funding challenges
• Encouraging transit-supportive local and regional planning
• Supporting transit workforce development and training
• Adapting to zero emission transition challenges

It would be a privilege to continue representing Small Transit Operators on the Executive Committee, as well as supporting the varied needs of our industry. Thank you for your consideration and your support.

 

I seek your support in representing the mid-size operators caucus of the Executive Committee of the California Transit Association (CTA). I currently serve in this capacity, including serving as Vice Chair, for the past two years. 

 

I believe I am uniquely qualified to navigate the many challenges and opportunities facing the industry. As a member of the Executive Committee and potential future Chair of the association, I will provide the necessary leadership continuity and foster the collaboration required to positively impact the association and the future of transit in California. 

 

My transit industry career spans over 35 years serving in both private and public sectors, developing a strong understanding of the operational, legislative and regulatory challenges and opportunities facing the industry. I will apply this understanding and a collaborative leadership style to partner with the association staff and members to move the priorities of the association forward. Immediate priorities include advocating for sustainable funding and regulatory relief and implementing the recommendations of the Transit Transformation Taskforce. 

 

I also remain engaged with the industry at the federal level by serving on the Executive Committee of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). In this role, I also serve on APTA’s Legislative Steering Committee. This provides an in-depth understanding of the legislative, regulatory and policy priorities of APTA and the broader transit industry. Immediate priorities on the federal level include ensuring a long-term Surface Transportation Authorization Act funded by sustainable and dedicated revenues.

 

As a mid-size transit agency CEO/General Manager, my background, experience and industry engagement make me exceptionally suited to serve as a member of the Executive Committee representing the mid-size operator caucus. 

 

I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the California Transit Association, Executive Committee representing medium sized transit operators, and ask for your consideration to be reelected to the committee.

 

Working in public transit operations in both large urban and rural areas for 35 years has provided me with a unique set of skills to draw upon to help the Association’s Executive Committee, the membership we represent, and the communities we serve to achieve the mission and strategic goals of the Association. With 12 years employed at Long Beach Transit, a medium sized operator in the Los Angeles region, and 23 years at Monterey-Salinas Transit, a small urban and rural operator on the Central Coast, I have gained a unique perspective of the challenges of operating transit in large urban areas as well smaller, rural environments.  This has allowed me to better understand the impacts of state legislative and regulatory proposals in these very different types of areas.

 

I have served on the Association Executive Committee since 2005 and acted its Chair from 2017 – 2019 where I helped develop language to establish the Innovative Clean Transit Rule, SB1 funding programs, and have been deeply involved in the ongoing litigation between the State of California and the US Department of Labor over pension reform, (aka PEPRA).

 

Over the years I have served on the Association Program Committee, Finance and Management Committee, State Legislative Committee, Federal Legislative Committee.

 

Members of my team and I are frequently asked to share our experiences during Association conferences and webinars. 

 

I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving on the Association Executive Committee.

 

Hannah Stern
I’m honored to serve on the California Transit Association’s (CTA) Executive Committee, representing the Transit Support Group, and I respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving for the 2025–2027 term.

Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply committed to advancing transportation and infrastructure policy at both the federal and regional levels. As SANDAG’s Director of Public Affairs, I lead our external engagement on planning and capital construction projects, including government relations, communications, and public outreach.

Prior to joining SANDAG, I spent six years working for Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50), departing his Capitol Hill office as a senior legislative assistant. My portfolio included transportation, infrastructure, and labor policy, giving me a strong foundation in many of the issues considered by the Executive Committee.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done on the Executive Committee. As a representative from an MPO, I bring a systems-level perspective to statewide transit discussions. MPOs play a vital role in bridging state and regional priorities, and I’m committed to ensuring that the voices of transit operators and support agencies are heard and valued.

Thank you for your continued support and for the work you do to strengthen transit across California.