SamTrans CEO Hartnett restructures management team

San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hartnett yesterday announced a restructuring of the organization’s management team, which also is responsible for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority.

The restructuring is intended to improve operating efficiency and administrative functions at all three agencies, SamTrans officials said in a press release.

Hartnett, the former Redwood City, Calif., mayor who took over SamTrans' top executive position in spring, spent the past few months holding small-group "listening sessions" with SamTrans employees.

"The themes that emerged during my meetings with employees will improve the district's ability to implement its top three priorities, which include strengthening our fiscal health, improving the district’s services to enhance the region’s mobility and becoming a more effective organization," said Hartnett.

The organizational structure includes a chief financial officer who will focus on long-term structural financial issues facing SamTrans and Caltrain; a chief administrative officer who will oversee employee hiring and retention practices as longtime workers retire; and moving all communications functions under one area to improve the agency’s interactions with the public, customers and potential new markets.

A link to the new organizational chart can be found here.