Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
1/6/2021
Rail News: Railroading People
Pimentel takes the helm at California Transit Association
![](https://www.progressiverailroading.com/resources/editorial/2022/PR0121-Pimentel.jpg)
The California Transit Association (CTA) has named Michael Pimentel executive director. He succeeds Joshua Shaw, who resigned last month.
As executive director, Pimentel will manage the association's advocacy on behalf of 230 member organizations. Throughout 2020, Pimentel led the CTA's advocacy and education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to secure two rounds of federal emergency relief funding for California transit agencies and advocating for a series of state-level relief measures.
Pimentel previously served as the association's legislative and regulatory advocate before becoming deputy executive director in February 2020. Prior to joining the association, he held various appointed positions in California Gov. Jerry Brown's administration, including most recently at the California High-Speed Rail Authority, where he managed the authority's legislative program and advised its chief executive on legislative and budgetary impacts on the state's high-speed rail project.
"[Pimentel] brings an extensive background and incredible industry acumen to the job," said CTA Executive Committee Chair Kate Breen in a press release. "Plus, Michael possesses the relationships and regard both inside and outside of the State Capitol to push the association's agenda forward."
State and federal governments must take emergency action in 2021 to ensure that California transit agencies have the funding they need to recover from the pandemic, Pimentel said.
"As the pandemic eventually subsides and we begin to rebuild transit service, our industry is committed to continuing to improve on how we engage and serve the communities that rely on public transit, to forging new partnerships that improve our efficiency and access to building a more equitable transportation network for all Californians," he said.
Pimentel began his new job on Jan. 1. Shaw, who had directed the CTA since 1999, will continue to support the association as senior counselor for policy and education.
Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.