North County Transit District

The North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) has promoted Misty Calder to serve as the agency’s Deputy General Counsel, effective June 24, 2024. In this role, Calder will work directly with the Chief General Counsel, providing legal and compliance support, managing highly complex legal matters, and ensuring excellence in NCTD’s legal operations. “Misty’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to our legal team,” said Lori Winfree, Chief General Counsel. “Her promotion is a testament to her hard work and the critical role she plays at The District. We look forward to her continued contributions in this expanded role.” Calder’s responsibilities will include the preparation of legal opinions, research support, environmental and regulatory compliance, document preparation, and related legal services. Reporting to the Chief General Counsel, Calder’s additional responsibilities include managing activities of outside legal counsel engaged by The District for specialized legal services. Calder brought over 20 years of legal experience to NCTD, particularly in the areas of litigation and land use law. Her extensive background includes representing developers, cities and special districts in a variety of government issues, including land use, planning and zoning, annexations, open meetings, conflicts of interest and ethics, the Public Records Act and development agreements. She also managed and actively litigated matters brought under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Calder joined The District in April 2023 as Senior Legal Counsel, where she provided legal advice regarding a myriad of legal matters, including project development and management, environmental and storm water compliance, litigation, and regulatory compliance. She has also worked directly with the Development Services Division on significant real estate development projects, including the Oceanside and Escondido Transit Centers. "I am honored to take on the role of Deputy General Counsel,” said Calder. “I look forward to continuing to work with the talented team at NCTD and supporting our collective efforts to achieve The District’s goals while maintaining the highest standards of legal compliance and integrity.”

The North County Transit District (NCTD, or The District) today announced the award of a $10.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to complete preliminary engineering and environmental clearance for the eastern segment of the SPRINTER Corridor Service Improvement Project from Escondido to San Marcos.    "The SPRINTER Corridor Service Improvement Project will pave the way for a transformational increase in transit service levels that will benefit communities throughout the region,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn M. Donaghy. “Continuing to improve infrastructure on the corridor will enhance service and the rider experience on the SPRINTER.”    The SPRINTER Corridor Service Improvement Project will construct 9.5 miles of double tracking along North County San Diego’s SPRINTER hybrid rail corridor. Funding from the RAISE program will complete environmental review and preliminary engineering for the segment of double tracking between the cities of San Marcos and Escondido and is a major milestone in efforts to double SPRINTER service frequency from 30-minutes to 15-minutes.     “This project will increase the convenience of taking transit in North County, improving access to major regional employment centers, educational institutions, health care providers, and other essential destinations,” said NCTD Board Chair Jewel Edson. “Getting more people out of their cars and on to transit will improve air quality and reduce congestion on adjacent roadways.”      The SPRINTER Corridor supports NCTD SPRINTER hybrid rail service as well as BNSF freight services. Double tracking will enable freight services to increase frequencies, enhancing the movement of freight and supporting an efficient supply chain in southern California.     “The SPRINTER passenger train is a critical service for helping thousands of commuters, students, and travelers get where they need to go,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “I’m glad to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for San Diego County with this investment in safer, more reliable rail service from Palomar College to Escondido.     “This RAISE grant will boost SPRINTER services, benefitting communities throughout the region, particularly communities suffering from poor air quality caused by highway congestion,” said U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-50). “This is a win for the climate and for public health.”    The award from U.S. Department of Transportation builds upon funding NCTD received from Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) and the Federal Transit Administration to modernize the SPRINTER signal infrastructure. Together, signal modernization and double tracking will enhance public transit in North County San Diego and strengthen the region’s transportation infrastructure.

NCTD Appoints Maria Rogers as Director of Rail Operations The North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) has appointed Maria Rogers to serve as the agency’s Director of Rail Operations, effective June 3, 2024. In this role, Rogers will be responsible for all aspects of rail operations and assistance with regulatory compliance. This position will also be critical in working closely with the Federal Railroad Administration, the California Public Utilities Commission, and The District's partners at Amtrak, BNSF, and Metrolink as NCTD is the owner and Railroad of Record for the San Diego Subdivision of the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN). Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer – Rail, Rogers’ additional responsibilities include oversight of the operational teams and performance metrics of the COASTER Commuter Rail and SPRINTER Hybrid Rail services. “Maria’s experience in all aspects of rail operations will be an incredible asset to the future expansion of service, continued improvement of performance and safety, and the transition of our rail fleet to zero-emission vehicles,” Shawn Donaghy, The District’s Chief Executive Officer stated. “Her work has continued to produce incredible results, and we are excited to have Maria in this critical role.” Rogers has worked with NCTD since 2014, most recently serving as the agency’s Manager of Rail Operations where she promoted safety and reliability of the COASTER and SPRINTER services along the San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. During NCTD’s transition of rail to in-house operations, Rogers played a key role in helping develop policies and procedures and facilitate training programs for the Operations team. In addition, she analyzed key performance metrics to facilitate improved safety and on-time performance by partner agencies along the corridor, while also leading nearly 90 employees. Additionally, Rogers’ leadership and mentoring skills have been instrumental in helping employees grow within the industry as she held key positions at NCTD, including Conductor, Engineer, and Road Foreman of Engines. “I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to grow professionally,” said Maria Rogers, NCTD Director of Rail Operations. “As a woman in leadership and being with The District for nearly 10 years, it has been an honor to work directly with other professionals that have greatly contributed to the skills I have and use daily. I look forward to continuing to share a work ethic that creates a fulfilling, productive and safe workplace.” Congratulations Maria!

Local Officials Celebrate Launch of New On-Demand Transportation Service in San Marcos The District held a ribbon-cutting event for a new, on-demand transit service that provides affordable rides within a service zone in the City of San Marcos. Elected officials, stakeholders and community members attended the free event to officially launch NCTD+.   “Developing new ways to increase mobility, provide more connectivity to our transportation network, and bring new assets to the communities we serve is a key focus for The District,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer. “This flexible, on-demand service offers the first and last mile connection that will help attract more people to transit.”    San Marcos is the first of four North County areas to receive this new on-demand service over the coming years during the pilot program. The NCTD+ service, which started Monday, June 10, is available within a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos, including connections to four SPRINTER rail stations and 72 BREEZE bus stops, as well as key locations such as Palomar College, CSUSM, and the city’s many restaurants and retail stores.      “I am thrilled to see this new service launch in San Marcos,” said San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones. “It provides an entirely new transportation option for college students, seniors, families and employees – anyone who needs to get around in San Marcos.”     NCTD+ lets you schedule a ride anywhere in a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos. The brightly wrapped vans pick up passengers and bring them to their destination. A one-way ride to/from a SPRINTER station is just $2.50, all other destinations within the service zone are $5.00. Additional riders in your party can be added for $2.50 per person. Plus, there is NO surge pricing. Children age 5 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.   “NCTD+ offers an easy, convenient and affordable way for anyone to get around in San Marcos,” San Marcos Deputy Mayor and NCTD Board Member Sharon Jenkins stated. “That means more access to our businesses, retail stores, parks, and the many other places to go in San Marcos.”    NCTD+ is easy to use. Download the free NCTD+ app, book a trip and ride! Typically, passengers can expect pickup within 20 minutes. Passengers without a smart phone can call (760) 726-1111 to book a trip. Riders get their first ride (up to 8 people) free with promo code FREERIDE (offer valid until December 31, 2024). “This is another great transit option in our city that provides residents with an additional opportunity to reach our local businesses,” shared Rick Rungaitis, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited that North County Transit District chose the San Marcos Farmers Market to launch the NCTD+ service.”    NCTD+ is available daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The next NCTD+ service launch is expected in the City of Vista in spring 2025. For more information about NCTD+ visit GoNCTD.com/Plus

NCTD Launches New Transit Option to San Diego's Largest Employment Center. New service connects COASTER to destinations throughout Sorrento Valley, UTC, Torrey Pines, and UC San Diego. The new COASTER Connection service provides first and last mile connections for COASTER passengers who disembark at the Sorrento Valley COASTER Station. This new NCTD service makes it more convenient for employees and students to use transit for their commute. With continued high gas prices, the COASTER Connection is an affordable and convenient way to travel. The District held a press conference at the Sorrento Valley COASTER station on Monday. NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn Donaghy and Board Chair Jewel Edson were joined by San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, San Diego City Councilmember and NCTD Board Member Kent Lee, and Melanie Cohn of BioComm California to mark the launch of the new service. Sorrento Valley and the surrounding area is the largest of 79 regional employment centers. There are more than 129,000 employees in the area and 57,000 residents. The Sorrento Valley COASTER Station is the third most utilized NCTD COASTER station. Unlimited COASTER Connection trips are included with the COASTER regional or premium regional daily and monthly passes, with no additional cost. For anyone without a COASTER pass or ticket, the fare is $5 one-way.

We are Hiring!

NCTD Hires Joy Freeman as Chief People Officer  Freeman begins today, June 3 North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) has hired Joy Freeman to serve as the agency’s Chief People Officer effective June 3, 2024. In this role, Freeman is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of human resources activities at The District, including compensation, benefits, labor relations, and recruitment. “Critical initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion, learning and development, mentoring and our bedrock responsibility to support world-class employees will be paramount to the future of our agency," noted Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer. "Joy's extensive experience is exactly what NCTD needs to build on our foundation of people first – promoting authenticity and opportunities to ensure the absolute best outcomes." Freeman brings nearly three decades of experience to this key human resources position. Most recently, Freeman served as the Global Corporate Employee Relations Principal for Amazon where she managed complex employee relations issues on a global scale, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. “I am thrilled to join NCTD to develop and implement human resources strategies to further The District’s goals and objectives,” said NCTD Chief People Officer Joy Freeman. “Supporting employees while fostering a culture of compliance and accountability is critical to the success of the organization, and I’m excited to leverage my decades of experience to advance our mission.” Freeman also held leadership positions with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and City of San Diego working in various capacities in human resources. As the Human Resources Manager at the Airport Authority, Freeman implemented business strategies and best practices among cross-functional teams to establish cohesive workgroups. She developed training and reporting procedures that reduced recordable incident rates by 65 percent in three years. Freeman obtained a master’s degree in human resources management and holds a bachelor’s degree organizational leadership.

NCTD Hires Alex Denis as Chief Procurement Officer North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) has hired Alex Denis to serve as the agency’s Chief Procurement Officer, effective May 13. In this role, he will be responsible for The District’s procurement and contract management across all departments. This position will also help streamline and create new policies to ensure The District’s regulatory compliance at the state and federal levels. “Alex brings an impressive background in procurement and contract management, as well as employee development and performance metrics which will be immensely beneficial to The District,” Shawn Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer stated. “He will be a welcome addition to a great team in our procurement group and I am looking forward to the amazing leadership he will bring to the agency.” Denis most recently served as Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Miami Beach, Florida where he led all procurement-related contracting, contract compliance and supplier initiatives for the world-renowned destination city. He has worked for over 25 years in public procurement management, including more than 15 years with senior-level leadership experience. Additionally, Denis is a skilled organizational development practitioner and has a passion for excellence through innovation and employee development. Denis has led several streamlining and organizational improvement projects in procurement and other areas, including the development of policies to address internal controls, the establishment of performance metrics, and the creation of an electronic marketplace to reduce inventory and off-contract spend for maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) needs. The e-marketplace system was the first among public sector organizations in Florida. “I am excited to join the NCTD team,” shared Alex Denis, NCTD Chief of Procurement Officer. “I look forward to working with the entire team to serve our ridership through a customer focus, maximizing resources, innovative practices, and the highest ethical standards.” Prior to joining the Miami Beach team, Denis served as Vice President for Operations at Broward College, leading the divisions of Business Services and Resource Management, Auxiliary Services, and Safety, Security and Emergency Management for all campuses and centers. Prior to that, he served as Purchasing Manager at the Broward County School Board. Denis earned a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a baccalaureate degree from Florida International University. He serves on various professional boards and committees locally and nationally, including the advisory board for the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Center for the Advancement of Research and Excellent (CARE) in public procurement.

NCTD Hires Tom Tulley as Chief Operations Officer of Rail North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) has hired Tom Tulley to serve as the agency’s Chief Operations Officer of Rail, effective today, May 13. In this role, he will be responsible for all The District’s rail operations and maintenance programs for the COASTER Commuter Rail and SPRINTER Hybrid Rail. Tom brings decades of experience to this position including operations, maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance. “I have seen firsthand the incredible work that Tom has accomplished on several critical rail projects,” Shawn Donaghy, NCTD’s Chief Executive Officer stated. “This is a huge win for our agency to not only have such an accomplished rail professional, but to also have a world-class leader who will help develop the next phase of The District and our employees.” Most recently, Tulley served as Managing Director / Country Manager for Stadler Services in the United States and Canada. In this role, he directed the corporate effort for all current and future Stadler U.S. and Canada properties to ensure all federal, state and local regulatory requirements were met. Prior to joining Stadler, Tulley served as Director of Regulatory Compliance and Rail Development with FirstGroup. This included serving as an international rail transportation executive, consultant and advisor working with companies in Canada, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan and Switzerland. One of the key projects was successfully developing a baseline operational plan for the Honolulu Area Rapid Transit (HART) rail line in Hawaii.  “I am excited to be a part of a great team that will bring improved service and infrastructure for the citizens of North San Diego County,” shared Tulley. “Service performance, safety, and security are not just goals - they are the outcomes of a well-trained and dedicated workforce in collaboration with members of our public.” Tulley also held key leadership positions with Forth Worth Transportation Authority (Trinity Metro) working on TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and has 14 years of experience with the Federal Railroad Administration. His combination of regulatory and direct operations experience will be a tremendous asset to NCTD as the agency continues to transition to direct COASTER and SPRINTER operations and push forward with a zero-emission rail fleet.

North County Transit District has appointed Mary Dover as Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, Dover will serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and NCTD’s Board of Directors, helping guide and implement The District’s priorities. She will continue to be responsible for NCTD’s intergovernmental relations and will also assume responsibility for the Administrative team.   “As The District pushes forward on critical initiatives - including key infrastructure projects such as rail capacity enhancing projects and the transition of our rail and bus fleet to 100% zero emission - we are fortunate to have world-class members of our team to fill these critical roles,” Shawn Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer noted. “The agency will continue to benefit from the key relationships that Mary has established and will help shape NCTD’s next phase.” Dover has been with NCTD since 2022, serving as the agency’s Government Affairs Officer. She has been instrumental in working with our local, state and federal partners to advocate for funding support on The District’s current and long-range projects such as the San Dieguito Double Track Phase 2 project, zero emission bus transition, SPRINTER double tracking, and several other initiatives. Prior to coming to NCTD, Dover worked for the Honorable U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein in her San Diego District Office. There, she provided the Senator with policy recommendations on a variety of issues including transportation and infrastructure and helped facilitate stakeholder appropriations requests including $10 million to help stabilize the Del Mar Bluffs from erosion. Dover sits on the California Transit Association’s State Legislative Committee and is a graduate of San Diego State University. “I’m excited for the opportunity to continue my work with NCTD in this new capacity,” said Mary Dover, NCTD Chief of Staff. “I’m committed to promoting organizational effectiveness to advance The District’s mission and eager to support our efforts to enhance the rider experience.” Congratulations Mary!