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 alignment of freeway, rail, and bus transit initiatives with long-term public mobility goals. By coordinating with the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all infrastructure investments meet the evolving needs of the Orange County population. This leadership role involves overseeing complex multi-modal transportation networks to enhance regional efficiency and accessibility. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Eddy Santizo drives the successful execution of large-scale transit projects. Santizo maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility and operational excellence, ensuring that the agency delivers reliable transportation services across the entire region. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes sustainable growth and community engagement to foster a robust, integrated transit system that supports the economic vitality of the area.

Kenneth Phipps, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, manages daily operational workflows and cross-departmental coordination for transit and capital projects. Phipps supports the implementation of express lanes and active transportation initiatives, ensuring that project timelines align with regional development objectives. By supervising internal administrative functions, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer maintains organizational stability and operational readiness. This leadership role involves translating high-level strategic directives into actionable plans for bus and rail transit departments. Kenneth Phipps monitors performance metrics to optimize service delivery and resource allocation across the Orange County region. Phipps facilitates collaboration between engineering, planning, and operations teams to resolve complex logistical challenges. Through consistent oversight of internal processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that the agency achieves its mission of providing efficient, safe, and reliable transportation options for the public while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards.

Andrew Oftelie, the Chief Financial Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, directs all fiscal planning, budgeting, and funding strategies for regional transit infrastructure. Oftelie manages the allocation of capital for freeway expansions, rail projects, and bus operations, ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the agency. By overseeing revenue streams and grant management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary resources to support large-scale transportation improvements. This leadership role involves providing financial analysis to the Board of Directors to guide investment decisions and risk management. Andrew Oftelie monitors economic trends to optimize the agency's capital improvement program and maintain fiscal transparency. Oftelie coordinates with external stakeholders and government entities to maximize funding opportunities for regional transit initiatives. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar invested contributes to the development of a high-performing, efficient, and accessible transportation network throughout the Orange County region.

William Mao, the Chief Information Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks necessary for modern transit operations. Mao manages the integration of data systems that support bus and rail scheduling, passenger information services, and internal administrative functions. By overseeing the deployment of enterprise-wide technology solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the agency maintains secure and reliable communication networks. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to improve operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the Orange County region. William Mao directs the IT department to support the technological requirements of complex capital projects and transit services. Mao collaborates with other executive leaders to align digital initiatives with the agency's broader mission of enhancing regional mobility. Through the implementation of robust IT strategies, the Chief Information Officer provides the technical foundation required for seamless, technology-enabled transportation services that meet the demands of a growing population.

Deanna Austin, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software at Orange County Transportation Authority, directs the development and implementation of specialized software solutions for transit management. Austin oversees the creation of advanced algorithms and digital tools that optimize ride-share coordination and active transportation tracking. By leading the software division, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software ensures that the agency utilizes cutting-edge technology to improve passenger experiences and operational throughput. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of proprietary software applications that support complex transit logistics. Deanna Austin collaborates with engineering teams to integrate software innovations into existing rail and bus infrastructure. Austin focuses on scaling digital capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the Orange County region. Through the strategic application of advanced software, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software drives technological transformation, enhancing the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the regional transportation network.