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 infrastructure development. This leadership role involves coordinating complex capital projects, including freeway expansions and rail transit initiatives, to ensure seamless mobility across the Orange County region. By aligning departmental goals with long-term public service objectives, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across all transit modes. Eddy Santizo manages high-level stakeholder relationships, including government agencies and community partners, to secure funding and project support. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives the implementation of sustainable transportation solutions. This executive leadership ensures that all transit programs meet the evolving needs of the local population while maintaining fiscal responsibility and project timelines. Ultimately, Santizo shapes the future of regional infrastructure through decisive action and collaborative planning.

Ken Phipps, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, executes daily operational strategies to optimize bus and rail transit performance. Overseeing the integration of express lanes and ride-share programs, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that daily commuter services remain reliable and efficient. This role requires constant collaboration with internal divisions to streamline project delivery and enhance public transit accessibility. Ken Phipps monitors operational metrics to identify areas for service improvement and resource allocation. By managing the tactical execution of capital projects, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer supports the broader mission of regional connectivity. This leadership position involves balancing immediate service demands with long-term infrastructure goals to maintain high standards of public transit. Through consistent monitoring of transit networks, Phipps guarantees that operational workflows align with the strategic directives established for the entire organization.

Andrew Oftelie, the Chief Financial Officer at Orange County Transportation Authority, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for all transit and capital projects. This executive role involves securing funding streams, overseeing complex financial reporting, and ensuring the economic viability of large-scale infrastructure investments. Andrew Oftelie directs the allocation of resources across freeway, rail, and active transportation programs to maximize public value. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and transparency, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of regional transit initiatives. This leadership position requires close coordination with the Board and other executive leaders to align financial strategies with organizational growth targets. Through precise fiscal management and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all capital projects remain within budgetary constraints. Ultimately, Oftelie secures the financial foundation necessary for the continued expansion and maintenance of the regional transportation network.

Deanna Austin, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software at Orange County Transportation Authority, architects the digital infrastructure and software solutions required for modern transit management. This role involves overseeing the development of advanced software systems that power real-time transit tracking, passenger information services, and operational data analytics. Deanna Austin drives the digital transformation of internal processes to improve efficiency and service delivery across the Orange County region. By integrating cutting-edge technology into existing transit frameworks, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of transportation innovation. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with technical teams to secure data systems and optimize software performance. Through the implementation of robust digital tools, the Chief Information Officer & Division Vice President, Advanced Software enhances the overall commuter experience and supports data-driven decision-making across all departments.