People on the Move: Coast Transit Authority, VVTA, San Joaquin RTD, Nashville Department of Transportation

Why It Matters

These appointments place seasoned executives at the helm of key regional transit agencies, positioning them to enhance service reliability, financial stability, and strategic planning during a period of evolving mobility demands.

Key Takeaways

• CTA names Mike Reso as executive director
• VVTA appoints Rod Goldman CEO, effective July 2026
• San Joaquin RTD installs Kimberly Turner as interim CEO
• Nashville NDOT selects Phillip Jones as interim director
• Leaders collectively bring over 80 years transit expertise

Pulse Analysis

Leadership turnover in public transportation often signals a shift in strategic focus, and the recent appointments across four agencies underscore that trend. Mike Reso’s eight‑year municipal leadership record, including a chief administrative role in Bay St. Louis, equips Coast Transit Authority with a seasoned manager capable of navigating coastal infrastructure challenges and expanding ridership. Similarly, Rod Goldman’s 38‑year career—spanning Los Angeles County MTA, Baton Rouge Capital Area Transit, and international consulting—offers Victor Valley Transit Authority a blend of operational rigor and innovative planning as the agency prepares for post‑pandemic growth.

Operational continuity is a central theme for the interim leaders. Kimberly Turner, stepping in as San Joaquin RTD’s interim CEO, is tasked with maintaining service reliability and advancing financial stability while the board conducts a permanent search. Her prior deputy role ensures familiarity with the district’s strategic initiatives, reducing disruption. In Nashville, Phillip Jones inherits the implementation of the "Choose How You Move" plan, a multimodal framework aimed at reducing congestion and expanding active‑transport options. His interim tenure provides the city with a steady hand to keep the plan on schedule amid political and fiscal scrutiny.

Across the transit sector, these appointments reflect a broader industry emphasis on experienced leadership to drive modernization, equity, and resilience. Agencies are increasingly seeking executives who combine local government acumen with hands‑on operational expertise, recognizing that effective stewardship can accelerate technology adoption, improve customer experience, and secure funding. As cities confront climate goals and shifting commuter patterns, the expertise of leaders like Reso, Goldman, Turner, and Jones will be pivotal in shaping the next decade of public transportation.