Orange County Transportation Authority Executive and Leadership Team

Eddy Santizo, the Chief Executive Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for regional transit planning and capital project implementation. Santizo manages the execution of complex freeway expansions, express lane development, and multi-modal transit initiatives that define the agency's operational footprint. By coordinating with the Board of Directors and regional stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between long-term infrastructure goals and the immediate mobility needs of the Orange County population. Eddy Santizo maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility and project delivery timelines to optimize public investment. Through rigorous oversight of agency-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer drives continuous improvement in service delivery. This leadership role requires balancing diverse transportation demands while maintaining a commitment to sustainable growth and regional connectivity across the entire Southern California landscape.

Ken Phipps, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, manages daily operational workflows and internal administrative functions to support the agency's mission. Phipps oversees the integration of bus and rail transit services, ensuring that daily operations meet the high standards required for public transportation reliability. By collaborating with department heads, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer streamlines internal processes and enhances cross-functional communication. Ken Phipps monitors the progress of active transportation projects and ride-share programs, providing the necessary support to keep these initiatives on schedule. This role involves mitigating operational risks and optimizing resource allocation to maintain high service levels throughout the region. Through consistent evaluation of operational data, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that all transit projects align with the broader strategic objectives established by the executive leadership team.

Andrew Oftelie, the Chief Financial Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for all transit and capital projects. Oftelie oversees the allocation of funding for freeway construction, express lane maintenance, and public transit operations. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial viability of long-term infrastructure investments. Andrew Oftelie coordinates with external auditors and government agencies to maintain compliance with financial regulations and grant requirements. This leadership position involves developing robust financial models to support the agency's expansion goals and operational sustainability. Through precise management of capital assets and debt obligations, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary economic foundation for the agency to deliver high-quality transportation services across the Orange County region, ultimately securing the financial future of critical public infrastructure projects.

William Mao, the Chief Information Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks that support agency operations. Mao oversees the implementation of enterprise-wide technology solutions, focusing on data integrity and system reliability for transit management platforms. By modernizing internal networks and digital communication tools, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of administrative and operational teams. William Mao manages the integration of smart technology into transit systems, facilitating better data collection and passenger information services. This role involves protecting critical agency data from emerging cyber threats while ensuring that all technological investments support the broader goal of improving regional mobility. Through the strategic deployment of hardware and software resources, the Chief Information Officer enables the agency to leverage data-driven insights for better decision-making and improved service delivery across all transportation sectors.

Deanna Austin, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software at Orange County Transportation Authority, architects the development of specialized software applications designed to optimize transit scheduling and passenger experience. Austin leads the advanced software division, focusing on creating custom digital tools that improve the functionality of bus and rail transit systems. By overseeing the lifecycle of software development, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software ensures that all digital products meet the specific needs of the agency's diverse user base. Deanna Austin collaborates with engineering teams to implement innovative software solutions that streamline operational workflows and enhance service accessibility. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between complex technical requirements and practical transportation applications. Through the continuous refinement of software architecture, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software drives technological innovation to support the agency's mission of providing efficient, modern transit solutions.