Board Actions

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June 22, 2009 Board Meeting

Newly Named CEO Of OCTA To Begin Aug. 3

The board unanimously approved hiring Will Kempton, head of the Caltrans, as the new CEO of OCTA. Kempton will remain at Caltrans until July 31 and is expected to start at OCTA on Aug. 3.

Kempton, 62, was appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2004 to run Caltrans and oversee 50,000 lane miles of state highways, an annual budget of nearly $14 billion and $10 billion worth of transportation improvements under construction.

Kempton began his career at Caltrans in 1973. He held management positions in finance and the director’s office at Caltrans prior to being appointed as assistant director in charge of legislative and congressional affairs, a position he held from 1980 to 1985. From 1985 to 1992, Kempton served as executive director of the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority. From 1992 to 2002, he was a partner at Smith, Kempton & Watts, a transportation consulting and advocacy firm that focused on major infrastructure programs.

ARTIC Design Phase Moves Forward

Anaheim staff provided the board with an update on progress for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). The selected firm, Parsons Brinckerhoff/HOK, will complete the architectural and engineering design for ARTIC, the future transportation hub situated on a 16-acre site owned by OCTA and Anaheim.

The bold and iconic design will serve as a flexible and functional transportation center. With $180 million of local investment, construction is expected to begin in 2011 and will accommodate current commuter-rail service and future high-speed rail.

Board Honors Coach Operator For 30-Years Of Safe Driving

OCTA Coach Operator James Da Vanzo was recognized for remaining accident-free for 30 years. Da Vanzo, who was employee of the month in May 2000, is admired for his excellent customer service skills.

Board Honors Employees Of The Month

Chairman Peter Buffa presented resolutions of appreciation to the three employees of the month for June.

Coach operator of the month Larry Grewal has maintained a 31-year safe driving record. Grewal is respected for his excellent customer service skills and professional demeanor.

Maintenance employee of the month, Leo Diza has consistently demonstrated a high level of achievement in providing riders with safe and clean vehicles at the Anaheim bus base.

Rita de Andrade, the health, safety and environmental compliance specialist is the administrative employee of the month for her commitment to excellence. She has built strong partnerships across all OCTA divisions, which has led to successful safety programs that positively impact the well-being of employees.

Board Recognizes Transit Police Services Deputy Of The Quarter

Deputy Timm Pusztai and Foose, a Labrador Retriever trained to detect explosives, have been assigned to the Transit Police Services since July 2008 and were recognized as employees of the quarter for their commitment to safety.

Deputy Pusztai and Foose routinely conduct patrol checks of transit centers, major bus stops, bus bases and inspection of OCTA facilities.

They have assisted in a variety of emergency calls for OCTA including the apprehension of a robbery suspect in Irvine.