TriMet, SamTrans and OmniTRAX announce personnel moves

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) has hired John Gardner to lead the agency's diversity and transit equity department, the agency announced.

Gardner brings more than 15 years of experience in the areas of equity, community engagement, education, employment and diversity to the agency, TriMet officials said in a press release.

John Gardner
Photo:TriMet

In his new role, Gardner will lead TriMet's diversity and equity work related to service, fares, community outreach, contracting, apprenticeship/workforce training, civil rights, and Title VI analysis and compliance work.

He'll work with TriMet's transit equity advisory committee and expand the agency's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. He'll also oversee the agency's inclusive contracting practices with disadvantaged business enterprise firms, as well as minority, women and emerging small businesses.

"John brings tremendous experience to TriMet that will benefit our community," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "We look forward to his perspective, expertise, and leadership in continuing to keep us a model in the areas of equity and inclusivity."

Before joining TriMet, Gardner served as the director of business services at Worksystems, Inc., which is the Regional Workforce Development Board for Washington and Multnomah counties and Portland.

At the same time, the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) named Michelle Bouchard chief operating officer of rail and Seamus Murphy chief communications officer.

Bouchard joins the district after serving as group manager for the Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART). Before her time at BART, Bouchard worked in Caltrain's rail transportation department for 14 years.

During her time at Caltrain, she played a vital role in conceptualizing the railroad's "Baby Bullet" service in the early 2000s, helping to lay the groundwork for increased ridership demand today, SamTrans officials said in a press release.

Murphy has served with SamTrans since 2008, when he was tapped to lead government affairs. He led successful efforts to secure legislative approval for Caltrain modernization funding through the California High-Speed Rail Authority's budget.

Meanwhile, OmniTRAX Inc. today announced the election of Keith Lovetro to its board.
He replaces John Giles on the six-person board, effective today.

Lovetro has serve as president and chief executive officer of TRAC Intermodal since June 2011. He's helped grow TRAC's revenue by more than 23 percent since joining the company, OmniTRAX officials said in a press release.

Prior to his time at TRAC Intermodal, Lovetro was president and CEO of YRC Regional Transportation.