Newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Esteban Rodriguez now leads the Hesperia-based Victor Valley Transit Authority.
The transportation agency on Thursday, Aug. 20, made the announcement about the veteran transportation executive, who has 38 years of public transportation experience throughout Southern California.
Rodriguez brings with him a background in transit operations, safety, fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and special projects throughout, VVTA stated.
During his career, Rodriguez has held senior leadership roles overseeing fixed-route, paratransit, and demand-response services. He has also demonstrated a strong focus on operational performance, safety, reliability, and customer service, the agency said.
Rodriguez’s experience includes managing multimillion-dollar transportation contracts, labor relations, procurement initiatives, fleet transitions, infrastructure development projects, and cross-functional operational teams, according to VVTA.
VVTA CEO Rod Goldman said, “Esteban’s extensive operational leadership and proven ability to lead complex transportation programs will be a tremendous asset to VVTA.”
Goldman added that Rodriguez brings a “strong commitment to safety, innovation, and service excellence, along with the strategic perspective needed to help us strengthen operations and continue enhancing transit services for the communities we serve.”
Rodriguez has led multidisciplinary teams and complex initiatives involving requirements established by the Federal Transit Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and Cal/OSHA, VVTA stated.
He has also supported fleet modernization, zero-emission transportation, workforce development, contract management, and continuous operational improvement.
In his new position, Rodriguez will help guide VVTA’s daily operations and support the agency’s continued efforts to provide safe, dependable, and accessible public transportation throughout the High Desert.
He will play a key role in advancing the agency’s strategic priorities, strengthening operational excellence, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration,” the agency said.
Known for his hands-on leadership style and problem-solving abilities, Rodriguez is committed to developing accountable, high-performing teams and cultivating strong relationships with public agencies, community organizations, and other regional stakeholders, the agency said.
Rodriguez is also actively involved in community leadership and service in the Antelope Valley. The agency said he believes public transportation is about more than moving people; it connects communities with employment, education, health care and opportunity while helping create a safer, more sustainable and innovative future.
“Esteban’s extensive experience and commitment to safe, reliable, and customer-focused transportation make him an excellent addition to VVTA’s leadership team,” said VVTA Board Chair Liz Becerra. “As our agency continues to grow and prepare for the future, his leadership will help ensure VVTA remains responsive to the evolving transportation needs of the communities we serve.”
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This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Esteban Rodriguez now chief operating officer of Victor Valley Transit
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
