California Department of Transportation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

California Department of Transportation has 8 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, operational oversight, legislative coordination, and infrastructure maintenance.

Committed to public service, California Department of Transportation manages complex state infrastructure projects while prioritizing safety, efficiency, and long-term mobility solutions for all residents across the region.

Leadership Roles at California Department of Transportation

  • Chief Executive Officer 2 - John Gilliam
  • Chief Executive Officer Ii - Sky Greytak
  • Chief Executive Officer Level Two - Carl Whitlock
  • Chief Executive Officer Ii - Rob Naylor
  • Chief of Staff - Jennifer Synhorst
  • Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff - Alison Nealon
  • Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff - Angela Madison
  • For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting) - Adriana Surfas
  • John Gilliam - Chief Executive Officer 2

    John Gilliam, the Chief Executive Officer 2 at California Department of Transportation, directs high-level strategic initiatives focused on statewide infrastructure development. Overseeing long-term capital improvement projects, the Chief Executive Officer 2 ensures alignment with state transportation goals. This leadership role involves managing multi-billion dollar budgets and coordinating with federal agencies to secure funding for critical road networks. By optimizing resource allocation, John Gilliam directly impacts the efficiency of the state transportation system. The Chief Executive Officer 2 maintains rigorous standards for project delivery, ensuring that all construction timelines meet public expectations. Through constant evaluation of regional traffic patterns, the Chief Executive Officer 2 identifies necessary upgrades to existing highway systems. Ultimately, Gilliam secures the structural integrity of the state network, fostering economic growth and improved mobility for all citizens throughout the vast California landscape.

    Sky Greytak - Chief Executive Officer Ii

    Sky Greytak, the Chief Executive Officer Ii at California Department of Transportation, manages the integration of sustainable transit technologies across the state. Overseeing the transition to greener infrastructure, the Chief Executive Officer Ii drives initiatives that reduce carbon emissions within the transportation sector. This leadership role involves collaborating with environmental agencies to ensure compliance with state climate mandates. By implementing innovative transit solutions, Sky Greytak directly impacts the modernization of public mobility options. The Chief Executive Officer Ii evaluates emerging technologies to improve system resilience against climate-related disruptions. Through strategic partnerships with private sector innovators, the Chief Executive Officer Ii accelerates the deployment of electric vehicle charging networks. Ultimately, Greytak secures a sustainable future for the state, balancing the immediate needs of commuters with the long-term environmental objectives of the California Department of Transportation.

    Carl Whitlock - Chief Executive Officer Level Two

    Carl Whitlock, the Chief Executive Officer Level Two at California Department of Transportation, oversees the expansion of multimodal transit corridors to alleviate urban congestion. Directing the planning and execution of complex transit projects, the Chief Executive Officer Level Two ensures seamless connectivity between rail and road networks. This leadership role involves managing stakeholder relationships across diverse municipal jurisdictions to facilitate project approval. By prioritizing high-density transit zones, Carl Whitlock directly impacts the daily commute of millions of residents. The Chief Executive Officer Level Two monitors project performance metrics to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. Through the implementation of data-driven traffic management systems, the Chief Executive Officer Level Two optimizes flow across major metropolitan arteries. Ultimately, Whitlock secures the operational efficiency of the state transit network, providing reliable alternatives to traditional vehicle travel throughout the California region.

    Rob Naylor - Chief Executive Officer Ii

    Rob Naylor, the Chief Executive Officer Ii at California Department of Transportation, leads the modernization of bridge and tunnel infrastructure to enhance seismic safety. Overseeing structural engineering programs, the Chief Executive Officer Ii ensures that critical assets meet the highest safety standards against natural disasters. This leadership role involves managing large-scale maintenance contracts and coordinating with engineering firms to execute complex retrofitting projects. By prioritizing the structural health of aging assets, Rob Naylor directly impacts the safety of the traveling public. The Chief Executive Officer Ii evaluates risk assessments to determine the urgency of infrastructure repairs. Through the application of advanced materials and construction techniques, the Chief Executive Officer Ii extends the lifespan of vital transportation links. Ultimately, Naylor secures the physical stability of the state network, protecting lives and maintaining essential connectivity across the diverse geography of California.

    Jennifer Synhorst - Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Synhorst, the Chief of Staff at California Department of Transportation, coordinates internal operations and facilitates communication between executive leadership and department divisions. Overseeing administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational objectives remain aligned with the broader mission of the department. This leadership role involves managing the executive office agenda and streamlining decision-making processes to improve operational agility. By fostering collaboration across various functional teams, Jennifer Synhorst directly impacts the overall productivity of the organization. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing regular updates to the executive team to ensure accountability. Through the management of internal resources, the Chief of Staff optimizes the use of personnel and budget allocations. Ultimately, Synhorst secures the smooth functioning of the department, enabling leadership to focus on strategic priorities that enhance the transportation infrastructure of the entire state.

    Alison Nealon - Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff

    Alison Nealon, the Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff at California Department of Transportation, manages the strategic planning processes that define the future of state mobility. Overseeing the development of long-range transportation plans, the Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff ensures that future projects address population growth and changing travel demands. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex data sets to inform policy decisions and infrastructure investments. By aligning planning efforts with state economic goals, Alison Nealon directly impacts the long-term development of the transportation network. The Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff coordinates with regional planning agencies to ensure consistency across local and state projects. Through the analysis of demographic trends, the Division of Transportation Planning Chief of Staff identifies future capacity needs. Ultimately, Nealon secures a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure, ensuring that the state remains prepared for the evolving needs of the population.

    Angela Madison - Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff

    Angela Madison, the Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff at California Department of Transportation, directs the department's engagement with state lawmakers and policy stakeholders. Overseeing the legislative agenda, the Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff ensures that the department's interests are represented during the drafting of transportation-related bills. This leadership role involves monitoring legislative developments and providing expert testimony to support funding and policy initiatives. By building strong relationships with elected officials, Angela Madison directly impacts the regulatory environment governing state transportation. The Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff coordinates the department's response to legislative inquiries, ensuring transparency and accuracy in all communications. Through the analysis of proposed legislation, the Legislative Affairs Chief of Staff assesses the potential impact on department operations. Ultimately, Madison secures the necessary legislative support to advance critical infrastructure projects, ensuring that the department maintains the resources required to serve the public effectively.

    Adriana Surfas - For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting)

    Adriana Surfas, the For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting) at California Department of Transportation, oversees the daily upkeep and operational readiness of the state highway system. Directing maintenance crews and equipment procurement, the For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting) ensures that roads remain safe and functional for all users. This leadership role involves managing emergency response protocols and coordinating rapid repairs following weather events or accidents. By prioritizing the maintenance of critical assets, Adriana Surfas directly impacts the reliability of the state transportation network. The For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting) evaluates equipment performance to optimize fleet management and reduce downtime. Through the implementation of preventative maintenance schedules, the For Maintenance, Operations, Safety & Equipment Programs Chief of Staff (Acting) minimizes long-term repair costs. Ultimately, Surfas secures the operational continuity of the state highway system, ensuring safe travel conditions throughout the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding California Department of Transportation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads California Department of Transportation?
    California Department of Transportation is led by John Gilliam (Chief Executive Officer 2), along with executives such as Sky Greytak (Chief Executive Officer Ii) and Carl Whitlock (Chief Executive Officer Level Two).
    Who is part of California Department of Transportation’s executive team?
    The executive team of California Department of Transportation includes leaders such as John Gilliam (Chief Executive Officer 2), Sky Greytak (Chief Executive Officer Ii), Carl Whitlock (Chief Executive Officer Level Two) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does California Department of Transportation have?
    California Department of Transportation has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in California Department of Transportation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of California Department of Transportation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer 2, Chief Executive Officer Ii, Chief Executive Officer Level Two, Chief Executive Officer Ii, Chief of Staff.