SamTrans names Kay chief financial officer

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) appointed Ilia Kay chief financial officer, the agency announced yesterday.

Ilia Kay
Photo: San Mateo County Transit District

Kay most recently served as CFO for Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road Concessions LLC, SamTrans officials said in a press release.

He has 20 years of financial management and accounting experience and previously worked as senior director of internal audit at EVRAZ North America.

In his new role, Kay will oversee incoming revenue, accounts payable, payroll, contracts and procurement, and operating and capital budgets.

In addition, he'll play a key part in providing financial support for the $1.7 billion Caltrain Modernization Program, which includes electrification of track between San Francisco and San Jose, Calif. It's the largest modernization project in Caltrain's 150-year history, SamTrans officials said.

SamTrans established the new CFO position as part of its agency-wide reorganization announced in August 2015.

"The district continues to face pressing financial concerns due to SamTrans' ongoing structural deficit and the lack of dedicated funding for Caltrain," said Jim Harnett, general manager and chief executive officer of SamTrans. "The creation of this position brings additional focus to addressing these long term challenges."

SamTrans provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority.