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Blue Surface

The CAPITOL GCS

Transit Executive Bench

Donna Demartino

Executive Consultant

High-profile and successful Transit Executive with over 30 years of demonstrated ability in delivering mission-critical projects. Gifted with an entrepreneurial ability for attracting federal, state, and local investment and delivering nationally recognized innovative projects and services. Knowledgeable about transit legislation, regulations, budget administration, business development, and key decision making.

Executive Roles

  • Managing Director- LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency

  • CEO- San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD)

  • Light Rail Facilities Administrator- Sacramento Regional Transit District 

Education

  • Bachelor of Vocational Education: 1997- California State University Sacramento

  • Master of Science in Transportation Management: 2003- San Jose State University

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Richard DeRock

Executive Consultant

With over 30 years in transit, Richard DeRock has been a leader in clean air technology and low-emission bus deployment. As a Clean Air Technology Analyst (1989–1991), he contributed to LA County's 1990 clean air strategy and advanced natural gas transit fuel projects. As CEO of Link Transit (2009–2023), he led the transition to electric buses, securing grants, testing battery systems, and introducing wireless charging. His expertise has significantly advanced sustainable public transportation.

Executive Roles

  • CEO- Link Transit

  • Executive Director- Access Services Los Angeles

  • Administrator LA Metro

Education

  • Bachelors, Geology- University of California, Davis

  • Certificate- Transit Planning- California State University, Chico

  • Certificates- Labor Relations, Financial Management, Indiana University

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Kevin Faulkner

Executive Consultant

Mr. Faulkner is a highly experienced professional with 40 years in fleet maintenance, including 29 years in transit maintenance, operations, project management, and Buy America compliance. As Director of Procurement/Project Management, he oversaw Sun Tran’s capital programs, expansions, and procurements, including Regional Transit Authority projects. He managed vehicle maintenance, facility operations, and ensured compliance with Buy America regulations while leading specification development, design, and production oversight.

Executive Roles

  • Director of Procurement/Project Manager -Sun Tran

  • Director of Project Management – Sun Tran

  • Director of Maintenance – Sun Tran

Education

  • Certificate in Diesel & Automotive Technology, Cortez Community College

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Milo Victoria

Executive Consultant

Mr. Victoria has over 41 years of metropolitan transit operations experience. He has led multiple agencies through the years with hundreds of employees on his teams while bringing numerous projects to fruition. Responsible for the grant acquisition, construction, initiation and operation of Omnitrans’ first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route at a cost of $192 million. Managed the overall performance of Bus Service for the Washington DC Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which includes a fleet of 1,500 buses and 4,000 employees with a 1,500 sq. mile service area in three jurisdictions, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Executive Roles

  • CEO – Omnitrans

  • Assistant General Manager, Bus Service – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

  • Deputy Executive Officer – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Business Management, University of Phoenix

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Tom Roberts

Executive Consultant

With nearly 30 years in transportation, Tom has led five transit system redesigns and pioneered paratransit, mobility management, alternative transportation, and parking solutions. As Executive Director of Santa Barbara’s Consolidated Transportation Service Agency, he was an early adopter of micro-transit for first/last-mile solutions. At UC Santa Barbara, he introduced innovative wayfinding and parking management technologies for major events. As Manager of Public Transit, Programming, Planning, and Finance for Napa Valley Transportation Authority, he doubled transit ridership through stakeholder workshops and service design charrettes while launching express services connecting Bay Area communities to BART and Capital Corridor rail.

Executive Roles

  • Manager of Public Transit/Programming & Planning/Finance- NAPA Valley Transportation Authority

  • Executive Director- Consolidated Transportation Services

  • Light Rail Facilities Administrator- Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT)

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Macy Neshati

Executive Consultant

Mr. Neshati is a seasoned professional and effectual leader with a proven ability to exceed expectations. He has over 40 years of proven experience developing and implementing strategic sales and marketing initiatives.With a passion for building, mentoring and empowering strong teams, he has a demonstrated ability to develop award winning marketing campaign. He has a well-rounded background that includes manufacturing, procurement, construction and contract management.

Executive Roles

  • CEO/Executive Director- Antelope Valley Transit Authority

  • Senior Vice President- BYD Heavy Industries

  • Vice President, Sales and Marketing- Complete Coach Works

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business- Saint Mary’s College

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Rick Ramacier

Executive Consultant

Mr. Ramacier brings 32 years of public transit expertise in leadership, advocacy, employee relations, capital project planning, zero-emission transitions, procurement, board relations, and accessibility. As GM/CEO of a mid-sized agency for 24 years, he managed a $40 million budget, a fleet of 121 fixed-route buses and 55 paratransit vehicles, and pre-COVID ridership exceeding five million trips annually. He spearheaded the “One-Seat” paratransit service in Contra Costa and east Alameda County, streamlining ADA transit across independent systems. Recognized as California’s Transit Manager of the Year (2008) and inducted into CalACT’s Wall of Excellence (2016), his leadership has driven innovation in accessible and sustainable transit.

Executive Roles

  • CEO/Executive Director- Antelope Valley Transit Authority

  • Senior Vice President- BYD Heavy Industries

  • Vice President, Sales and Marketing- Complete Coach Works

Education

  • Masters of Public Administration, Syracuse University- Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs

  • B.S. in Political Science & Urban Studies, University of Wisconsin, River Falls (1985)

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Mike Scanlon

Executive Consultant

With over 50 years in public transit, Mr. Scanlon has held leadership roles in operations, management, and administration across mid-size and large agencies. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Caltrain, overseeing commuter rail service for San Francisco, San Jose, and Silicon Valley. As Director of Broward County Transit, he managed a $60 million operating budget and a $15 million capital budget. Previously, as Director of Transit Operations for the Port Authority of Allegheny County, he oversaw 2,700 employees across 17 departments with a $125 million annual budget. His extensive experience brings valuable insight into transit operations and strategic management.

Executive Roles

  • President – Transportation Consulting Services LLC

  • General Manager/Chief Executive Officer – San Mateo County Transit District

  • Director – Broward County Transit

  • Director of Transit Operations – Port Authority of Allegheny County

Education

  • Master of Science in Intermodal Transportation Management,  Transportation Institute, University of Denver

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Leslie Rogers

Executive Consultant

Mr. Rogers joins the Transit Executive Bench after a 39-year career with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), retiring in 2018. He served 22 years as Regional Administrator for Region IX, overseeing federal transit programs in California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and three Pacific territories. Before that, he was Deputy RA for three years and spent 15 years as an attorney in various FTA offices. His expertise spans project planning, development, and oversight, working with major transit agencies like NYC and LA, managing complex budget and legal issues, and addressing the needs of small and mid-size operators, transit-dependent communities, and tribal governments.

Executive Roles

  •  Regional Administrator – Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Region IX

  • Deputy Regional Administrator – FTA Region IX

  • Regional Counsel – FTA, various regions

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

  • Juris Doctor,  Howard Univ. Law School, Washington, DC

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Ronald Kilkoyne

Executive Consultant

Ronald Kilcoyne is an accomplished transit leader who has strengthened the financial position of every agency he has managed. He secured funding and community support for major projects, including the final design of LTD’s Bus Rapid Transit expansion and the planning of a third Metrolink Commuter Rail Station, a new bus transit center, and a maintenance facility in Santa Clarita, CA. He oversaw the design and construction of Bridgeport, CT’s intermodal transportation center, integrating bus, rail, and ferry services. At Greater Bridgeport Transit, he led a successful rebranding, service restructuring, and the implementation of an award-winning fare system, increasing ridership. He also negotiated cost-saving labor agreements at LTD and GBT.

Executive Roles

  • General Manager-Lane Transit District

  • Chief Executive Officer & General Manager- Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority

  • Group Leader, Transit Planning- Korve Engineering

Education

  • Bachelor of Science: Business Administration- University of San Francisco

  • Advanced Scheduling Seminar, Regional Transit Training Center, USC

  • Transit Management Effectiveness Program- University of California, Irvine

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Bob Miller

Executive Consultant

Mr. Miller is a finance professional with 40+ years of executive-level experience in the public and private sectors, specializing in financial strategy, IT, acquisitions, and contract negotiations. As CEO of Omnitrans, he managed the agency’s finances during the 2008 financial crisis, cutting staff by 20% while expanding services and establishing a Treasury function for FTA small start projects. Later, at Capital Transit in Baton Rouge, he identified impending insolvency within 90 days and worked with leadership to resolve liquidity issues, adjust budgets, and maintain service levels.

Executive Roles

  • CFO – Capitol Transit

  • CFO – Omnitrans

  •  President – RLMA Consulting

Education

  • Master of Science in Management, Stanford University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Stanford University

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Rohan Kuruppu

Executive Consultant

Kuruppu is a transportation planning professional with over 28 years of experience in strategic planning, transit services, capital projects, and funding development. He has led top transportation agencies and played a key role in implementing award-winning mobility solutions.

He has developed and executed over 15 Short- and Long-Range Transit Plans, covering policies, fare structures, operations, capital improvements, and outreach. His work has been recognized by the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Executive Roles

  • Director of Planning – Riverside Transit Agency

  • Director of Planning – Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority

  • Director of Planning – Omnitrans

Education

  • Certificate, Transportations Operations Planning, MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, California State University, San Bernardino

  • Associate of Arts, Paralegal Studies, Phillips College

  • Associate of Science, Electrical Engineering, San Bernardino Valley College

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Dave Vila

Executive Consultant

Vila is a hands-on executive experienced in acquisition policy, practice and project management, in both public and private sectors for 35 years. Managed all phases of solicitation, analysis and negotiation of major agency service and equipment contracts in support of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s bus and rail transit operations, including major construction projects

Executive Roles

  • Acquisition Policy Officer – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

  • Director, Contract Administration – ITT Aerospace Controls

  • Corporate Director, Contracts and Procurement – Infotec Development Corp

Education

  • Juris Doctor, Southwestern University School of Law

  • Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and Engineering, University of Colorado

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Elson Hao

Executive Consultant

As mechanical engineer with over 40 years of experience, Elson Hao managed programs to replace and transition to new technology the rolling stocks of major transit agencies all over the United States. These programs include transitioning from internal combustion engine to hybrid technology an zero emission bus technology, procurement of light and heavy rail vehicles. He has extensive experience in training and managing engineering and maintenance personnel.

Executive Roles

  • Senior Vehicle Engineer- STV Incorporated

  • Principal Engineer- SFMTA

  • Former Senior LRV Engineer- SFMTA

Education

  • Bachelor of Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, De La Salle University

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Kathleen Sanchez

Executive Consultant

Ms. Sanchez brings extensive transit agency experience in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project planning and Public-Private Partnerships (P3) implementation. As Planning Project Manager, she played a key role in launching California’s first BRT project, the Metro Orange Line, leading the Federal (NEPA) and State (CEQA) environmental review processes and sharing BRT project development expertise with other transit agencies. She was also instrumental in establishing LA Metro’s P3 program. She researched the P3 concept, authored the policy paper that secured Board approval for the P3 Program’s Framework and Work Plan, and then implemented and directed the program. Her efforts identified and advanced $25 billion in potential projects, generating strong investor and contractor interest

Executive Roles

  • Public-Private Partnership Program Director – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

  • Bus Rapid Transit Project Manager – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Education

  • Transportation Leadership Academy University of California at Los Angeles Extension

  • Bachelor’s Degree Fine Arts, California State University, Los Angeles

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Cynthia Karpman

Executive Consultant

Ms.Karpman is a highly experienced Manager/Director with over 25 years’ experience in transportation operations, financial budgeting, oversight of Workers’ Compensation Program, witness for Worker’s Compensation hearings, arbitration and court cases and formulation of new policies and procedures.Experienced with planning and directing the daily activities of a transportation division to achieve Metro’s vision and goals related to safety, strategic planning, and customer satisfaction. Ensured efficiency of operations, cost effectiveness and positive management labor relations. Knowledgeable in conducting disciplinary investigations, hearings, and counseling sessions.  Directed and managed staff of over 400 employees and 8 transit routes.

Executive Roles

  • Director of Transportation Operations – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

  • Assistant Manager, Bus Operations Control Center – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

  • Manager of Transportation Operations, Div. 9 & 5 – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

  • Transportation Manager, Div 18 – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of Phoenix

  • Master of Business Administration, University of Phoenix

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Jose Medrano

Executive Consultant

Mr. Medrano is a transportation professional with over 25 years of operations experience providing safe, reliable, and courteous transit services. In serving as the Interim Transit Operations Services Manager at Lane Transit District in Eugen, Oregon, he was responsible for bus rapid transit, fixed route, project management, and training. As the transit Operations Manager at Montebello Bus Lines in Montebello, California, he was responsible for the day to day deployment of a transit fleet, demand-response services, training, and safety and security. Mr. Medrano’s experience includes working with many transit agencies in Southern California through his roles in the Transit Professionals advisory Committee (TPAC), the Southern California Regional Bus Roadeo (SCRBR), and the Transit Instructors Network (TIN).

Executive Roles

  • Interim Transit Operations Services Manager- Lane Transit District

  • Transit Operations Manager- Montebello Bus Lines

  • Transit Operations Supervisor- Montebello Bus Lines

Education

  • East Los Angeles College- Monterey Park

  • Certification in Transit/Paratransit Management Program- University of the Pacific (2010)

  • Certification in Transit/Paratransit Management Program, Pepperdine University (2002)

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Dan Quigg

Executive Consultant

Mr. Quigg is a rolling stock expert with 27+ years of experience at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Planned and managed the maintenance program for the entire fleet of buses. Managed a staff of 175 and contracts in excess of $650 million. Managed a procurement program for CNG fueled buses, with a total budget in excess of $236 million. Tasks included technical point of contact for any problems related to the entire bus, but more specifically to the engine, fuel system and logistics for fueling, inspection and many other issues of high pressure natural gas fuel systems.

Executive Roles

  • Senior Equipment Maintenance Manager – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, California State University, Sacramento

  • Associate Degree, Spokane Community College

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Suresh Shrimavle

Executive Consultant

Mr. Shrimavle has over 40 years of experience in senior transit engineering roles, specializing in rail vehicle design, procurement, testing, and system integration. At LA Metro, he led the P2550 LRV procurement, developed engineering specifications for the P3010 LRV, and provided support for various rail fleets, including the P865, P2020, and A640 HRV. As Chief Maintenance Engineer at Valley Metro, he developed LRV and streetcar specifications for expansion projects and supported maintenance operations.

Executive Roles

  • Principal Project Engineer –Parsons Corporation

  • Chief Maintenance Engineer – Valley Metro

  • Rail Fleet Services Engineering Manager – LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering (with P.E.’s in both California and Arizona)

  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Polytechnic College, Bhopal, India

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Carol Kuester

Executive Consultant

Ms. Kuester is an executive urban policy professional with over 35 years of experience in public transportation. As director of Electronic payments at Metropolitan Transportation Commission & Bay Area Toll Authority, she managed the FasTrak and Clipper payment systems, overseeing more than two million user accounts and processing over $1 billion annually. Her earlier roles include conducting research as a Fellow at the German Marshall Fund and leadership positions in various volunteer organizations. Carols expertise encompasses sophisticated procurement strategies, program management, and building collaborative teams to drive transformative changes in the public sector.

Executive Roles

  • Director of Electronic Payment Systems- Metropolitan Transportation Commission & Bay Area Toll Authority

  • Principal Program Coordinator- Metropolitan Transportation Commission

Education

  • Master of Arts, Urban Planning, University of California Los Angeles

  • Bachelor of Science, Behavioral Science & Environmental Policy, University of Davis

  • University of California Education Abroad Honors Program, Kenya

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