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 and capital infrastructure projects. Santizo manages the implementation of complex freeway, express lane, and rail transit initiatives that define the mobility landscape of the Orange County region. By coordinating with the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between long-term transportation goals and immediate public service requirements. This leadership role involves navigating intricate regulatory environments while maintaining fiscal responsibility across all transit divisions. Eddy Santizo drives organizational excellence by fostering collaboration among diverse departments to optimize bus, rail, and active transportation networks. Through rigorous oversight of capital projects, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of regional infrastructure, ensuring that all transit systems meet the evolving needs of the community while promoting sustainable growth and operational efficiency throughout the entire service area.

Ken Phipps, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, executes daily operational strategies to maintain seamless transit service delivery across the region. Phipps oversees the integration of bus and rail transit systems, ensuring that daily commuter operations remain reliable and efficient for the public. By managing cross-departmental workflows, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer supports the implementation of capital projects and ride-share initiatives that reduce congestion. Ken Phipps monitors performance metrics to identify areas for service improvement, directly impacting the quality of active transportation options available to residents. This role requires constant coordination with internal teams to resolve operational bottlenecks and enhance system-wide performance. Through meticulous attention to service standards, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer stabilizes the transit network, allowing the organization to meet its mission of providing accessible, high-quality transportation solutions while maintaining the highest levels of safety and reliability for all commuters.

Andrew Oftelie, the Chief Financial Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, manages the fiscal health and funding strategies necessary for large-scale capital projects. Oftelie directs the allocation of financial resources across freeway, express lane, and transit programs to ensure long-term economic viability. By overseeing budget development and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for strategic decision-making at the executive level. Andrew Oftelie secures funding through diverse revenue streams, including grants and regional tax initiatives, to support the expansion of essential transportation infrastructure. This leadership role involves rigorous risk assessment and financial planning to maintain the stability of the organization. Through precise management of capital assets and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar invested contributes to the improvement of the regional transit network, ultimately supporting the mission of delivering efficient and sustainable transportation solutions to the public.

Deanna Austin, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software at Orange County Transportation Authority, architects the digital infrastructure and software solutions that modernize regional transit operations. Austin drives the implementation of advanced software systems to improve commuter rail scheduling, ride-share coordination, and real-time transit data accessibility. By leading the technology division, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software ensures that all digital platforms remain secure, scalable, and responsive to the needs of the public. Deanna Austin integrates innovative software tools to optimize traffic management and active transportation tracking, enhancing the overall user experience across the network. This role involves collaborating with other executive leaders to align technological advancements with the broader mission of the organization. Through the deployment of cutting-edge software, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software increases operational efficiency and provides the data-driven insights required to maintain a world-class transportation system.