Our Leaders

Obed Mejia is a seasoned professional in vehicle maintenance and technical training, currently serving as the Senior Bus Equipment Maintenance Instructor at Los Angeles Metro (LA Metro). In this role, he oversees training for approximately 1,700 maintenance personnel, including new hire testing, promotional assessments, refresher courses, and division instructional support.  

With over 28 years of experience in vehicle maintenance and more than 17 years in training, Obed has established himself as an expert in his field. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Automotive Technology and has achieved Master ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) status in Automotive, Transit Bus, and Heavy Truck categories.  

In addition to his role at LA Metro, Obed has been an Adjunct Instructor in Transportation Technologies with the Los Angeles Community College District since August 2011, contributing to the education and development of future professionals in the field.

Obed is also actively involved in industry knowledge sharing, having moderated and presented in various technical webinars and training sessions. Notably, he has contributed to discussions on diesel aftertreatment systems and air system troubleshooting, providing valuable insights to peers and technicians in the transit industry.  

His commitment to advancing maintenance practices is further demonstrated through his participation in events like the 47th LA Metro Bus Roadeo, where he engages with a large community of transit professionals and enthusiasts.

Obed’s dedication to excellence in vehicle maintenance and training continues to make a significant impact on the efficiency and safety of transit operations within Los Angeles and beyond.

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Rashidi Barnes was appointed the CEO of Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, known as Tri Delta Transit, in September 2022, replacing longtime CEO Jeanne Krieg who retired after 32 years at the agency.

Mr. Barnes started his transit career twenty years ago as the Western Sales Manager for Transit Marketing Group, a leader in marketing and sales for transit product manufacturers. From there he became the Director of Procurement for Foothill Transit and also served as Foothill Transit’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer during his tenure. His next five and a half years were spent with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority also known as County Connection, where he served as Senior Manager of Transportation, Senior Manager of Innovation and Shared Mobility, and then Director of Innovation and Shared Mobility. His other roles at CCCTA include oversight of the daily operations of 160+ bus operators, 12 supervisors and 1 transit manager. In 2015, Rashidi Barnes was listed by Mass Transit Magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 to watch and follow.   Most recently before Tri Delta Transit, Mr. Barnes worked for First Transit as the Director of Mobility as a Service, a National position where he worked with various transit agencies, TNC’s, payment solution companies and micro mobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Mr. Barnes completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. He received his Master’s degree from the San Jose State Mineta Transportation Institute and has completed both the ENO Executive Program and APTA Leadership.

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Mr. Tuitavuki began his career in public transportation in 2006 at San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) when he was hired as Superintendent. In this role Mr. Tuitavuki oversaw RTD's Transportation Operations.

In 2012, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations in an expanded role, where he assisted the Director of Operations with the oversight of multiple Operating Departments at RTD. Finally, In 2013, RTD promoted him to Director of Operations.

In 2017, Mr. Tuitavuki left RTD for a new opportunity with Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST) serving as MST’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer. That same year he became a member of the CTTC’s Board of Directors. In 2021, MST promoted him to Chief Operating Officer (COO) where he oversees MST’s entire Operation.

Mr. Tuitavuki successfully completed the Transit and Paratransit Management Certificate program through the University of the Pacific (UOP). He holds Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees and a Master of Science in Transportation Management from the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State.

Mr. Tuitavuki actively participates in the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), California Transportation Association (CTA), CalACT, Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA), Safe Place, and other community programs aimed at improving and promoting public transportation.

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Jannet Malig is a visionary leader and changemaker in the transportation industry. She is the Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) Statewide Director for the California Community Colleges Workforce and Economic Development Division. In that role, she oversees efforts across the state to create relevant career pathways and foster a 21st-century workforce.

She works with industry and professional associations, government organizations, and colleges to provide direction for curriculum development in emerging occupations; expand industry certificate programs, and determine short- and long-term industry training needs for high school and college career technical education programs.

Prior to becoming Statewide Director, Malig was ATL Deputy Sector Navigator for the Los Angeles and Orange County Regions and Director of the Advanced Transportation Technology & Renewable Center at Cerritos. Before entering higher education, she was Senior Marketing Manager for Hitachi Automotive Products, where she led the company’s sales strategy for all markets and analyzed new products and channels for expansion. She’s also held marketing and product management positions for Zyliss USA and Denso Sales California.

She holds an MBA from Chapman University and earned her associate degree from Cerritos College, where she’s now based. She is active in the transportation industry and serves as Co-Coordinator for the Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition and serves on the board President of the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium. Malig also previously served on the boards of the Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association and the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce.

O'Connor brings more than 25 years of transportation, finance and project management experience to the City. He is responsible for vehicle maintenance operations, facility maintenance operations, financial management, citywide parking operations, and administrative functions.

Prior to joining the City, O’Connor served as the Director of Finance and Project Management for the Exposition Construction Authority, and helped successfully deliver the $2.5 billion light-rail project on time and under budget. O’Connor holds a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, an Accounting degree from California State University – Northridge, and a master’s in Organizational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.  He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of California since 2005. 

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