California Department of Transportation Executive and Leadership Team

Jennifer Synhorst, the Chief of Staff at California Department of Transportation, directs high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the executive department. Synhorst manages internal communications and facilitates alignment between departmental leadership and the California State Transportation Agency. By streamlining organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that complex infrastructure projects remain on schedule and within budgetary constraints. Jennifer Synhorst oversees the integration of policy directives into daily operational practices, maintaining focus on the core mission of providing safe, reliable transportation systems. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with division heads to resolve bottlenecks and optimize resource allocation. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff supports the broader goal of enhancing statewide mobility. Synhorst drives efficiency by implementing standardized reporting protocols that improve transparency and accountability throughout the entire organization, ultimately strengthening the operational foundation of the department.

Adriana Surfas, the For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting) at California Department of Transportation, manages critical infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols across the state. Surfas coordinates the deployment of equipment programs to ensure that roadway assets meet rigorous safety standards. By overseeing operational logistics, the Chief of Staff (Acting) minimizes service disruptions and enhances the longevity of transportation infrastructure. Adriana Surfas aligns maintenance schedules with long-term safety objectives, ensuring that field teams possess the necessary resources for effective project execution. This role involves constant monitoring of equipment performance and safety metrics to prevent system failures. Through proactive management of maintenance programs, the Chief of Staff (Acting) directly impacts the reliability of the state transportation network. Surfas facilitates communication between regional maintenance units and executive leadership, ensuring that safety initiatives receive priority funding and support to maintain high-quality infrastructure standards throughout California.

Angela Madison, the Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff at California Department of Transportation, architects the department's engagement strategy with state lawmakers and regulatory bodies. Madison monitors legislative developments that impact transportation funding and policy, ensuring that the department remains compliant with evolving state mandates. By translating complex policy requirements into actionable operational plans, the Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff secures the necessary support for infrastructure investment. Angela Madison coordinates with external stakeholders to advocate for transportation priorities that align with the department's mission. This leadership role involves drafting policy briefings and managing relationships with legislative committees to facilitate smooth project approvals. Through strategic navigation of the political landscape, the Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff ensures that the department maintains the resources required for large-scale transportation initiatives. Madison drives legislative success by maintaining clear communication channels between the department and state government, fostering an environment conducive to long-term infrastructure development.

Alison Nealon, the Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff at California Department of Transportation, directs the long-term strategic planning processes that shape the future of the state transportation network. Nealon oversees the development of comprehensive planning frameworks that address regional mobility needs and environmental sustainability goals. By coordinating cross-functional teams, the Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff ensures that planning efforts integrate seamlessly with engineering and maintenance requirements. Alison Nealon manages the allocation of planning resources to support data-driven decision-making regarding future infrastructure investments. This role involves analyzing demographic trends and traffic patterns to anticipate future capacity demands across California. Through rigorous evaluation of planning proposals, the Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff ensures that all projects align with the department's overarching mission of efficient mobility. Nealon drives innovation by incorporating modern planning methodologies that improve the resilience and connectivity of the statewide transportation system.