SacRT's Li shakes up executive leadership team

As part of an "immediate turnaround strategy," Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Henry Li has announced an executive leadership reorganization aimed at prioritizing customers.

Henry Li
Photo: Sacramento Regional Transit District

The agency's new leadership structure is designed to be "more business-like" and will include the following personnel changes:

    •    SacRT Chief of Staff Laura Ham will become vice president of accountability and performance;
    •    Tamma Adamek will join the executive team July 25 to serve as VP of communications and partnerships;
    •    Chief Operating Officer Mark Lonergan will take on the additional role of VP of transit services;
    •    Neil Nance will join the team Aug. 1 to serve as VP of strategic planning and system development;
    •    Diane Nakano will become director of special projects working directly with Li on numerous strategic capital projects; and
    •    Norm Leong, chief of the agency's police services, will become VP of safety and security.

In addition, Li has worked with Lonergan to re-establish the deputy COO position, which will assist in the day-to-day management of transit services. The position will be filled through an open recruitment process with a start date in fall.

The agency also plans to hire a VP of business services/chief financial officer. Meanwhile, Chief Counsel Tim Spangler will continue to advise SacRT's board on a range of legal, business and government matters.

As part of Li's turnaround strategy, the agency will focus on improving cleanliness, safety and security, and on-time performance. Additionally, internal and external communications will be a high priority.

"There will be no mystery surrounding [SacRT's] vision and the steps being taken to achieve and exceed desired goals," agency officials said in a press release. "Total transparency at all levels will propel [SacRT] initiatives forward."

The strategy also includes the implementation of fiscal policies and strict accountability to improve the agency's performance. SacRT has recently eliminated 10 percent of management and administrative positions, marking the beginning of the process to address the agency's structural deficit.

"Fiscal management and innovative funding will be the foundation on which the future of [SacRT] will be built," agency officials added.

In February, the agency projected a $19.6 million deficit over the next five fiscal years. To cover the loss, the agency has increased fares 10 percent and trimmed its annual operating budget by $2 million.