Board Chair Jamey M. Federico, Director Valerie Amezcua and Senior Project Manager Josue Vaglienty recognized at ACEC Orange County awards event
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority was recognized at the 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies Orange County Engineering Excellence Awards, where Board Chair Jamey M. Federico received the organization’s Elected Official Award and Senior Project Manager Josue Vaglienty received the Inspiring Leader Award. The City of Santa Ana also received the Client of the Year Award, accepted by Mayor Valerie Amezcua, also an OCTA Board Member.
The annual event, emceed by OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson, brought together engineering professionals, public agency leaders and industry partners to celebrate innovation, leadership and outstanding engineering projects completed throughout Orange County.
OCTA Directors and executive staff members attend the 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies Orange County Engineering Excellence Awards, including (left to right) OCTA senior staff members Jeff Mills, Jeanie Lee, OCTA Deputy CEO Jennifer L. Bergener, OCTA Director and Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua, OCTA Chair and Dana Point Councilmember Jamey M. Federico, Inspiring Leader Award recipient Josue Vaglienty, OCTA Executive Director of Capital Programs Jim Beil and OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson. Photo courtesy of OCTA.
Federico, who also serves as a Dana Point councilmember, was recognized for his leadership and commitment to advancing transportation and infrastructure improvements that benefit Orange County communities.
Vaglienty was recognized for his leadership in delivering transportation improvements and fostering collaboration among project teams, agency partners and stakeholders.
The City of Santa Ana received the Client of the Year Award, which was accepted by OCTA Board Member and Santa Ana Mayor Amezcua. The award honors the city’s commitment to improving transportation and infrastructure.
Johnson emceed the evening awards program, recognizing engineering achievements and partnerships that help shape the region’s transportation network and continued growth.
“The work recognized at the ACEC Orange County Awards reflects the power of collaboration between engineers, public agencies and community leaders,” said Johnson. “Congratulations to Chair Federico, Mr. Vaglienty, our partners at the City of Santa Ana and all of this year’s award recipients for their dedication to delivering projects and solutions that improve the lives of Orange County residents.”
ACEC Orange County represents consulting engineering and land surveying firms that support the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects throughout the region. The annual Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects and individuals whose work has made a meaningful impact on Orange County communities.
OCTA works closely with engineering partners to deliver transportation improvements that enhance mobility, improve safety and help keep Orange County moving.
For more information about OCTA, visit www.octa.net.
