About CTTC

Our Leaders

Meet the visionaries shaping tomorrow's training.

Executive Team

AJ Artis

AJ Artis joined CTTC as Training Coordinator in 2024, and currently serves at interim Executive Director. Prior to joining CTTC, AJ worked as a Sustainability Policy Analyst at Consumer Reports, clean transportation advocacy groups, and on various statewide election campaigns. AJ is originally from California and graduated from Emory University. In his free time he enjoys cycling and learning about regenerative agriculture and permaculture.

Steve Clermont

Steve Clermont is the Program Manager for CTTC and the Managing Director of Planning and Deployment at the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE). With more than 25 years of project management experience from CTE, Mr. Clermont has been managing zero-emission bus projects for transit clients for more than 10 years, giving him valuable experience that he utilizes to drive forward the strategic initiatives of CTTC.

Executive Committee

Norman Tuitavuki

Chairperson

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.

Joyce Rooney
Director of Finance
Foothill Transit

Executive Committee Member

Ms. Rooney joined Foothill Transit in February 2024 as Director of Finance.  She has over 38 years of experience in Transit Services Administration and management, with expertise in fiscal management, transit operations, project coordination, and government relations collaborating with various transit agency stakeholders.

Rooney’s professional journey includes notable roles in public transit agencies, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills.  Joyce started her transit career in 1987 at Laidlaw Transit as District Director of Marketing, assisting with transit operations contracts.  In 1990, she transitioned to the public sector at the City of West Hollywood as a Transportation Planner, creating and implementing new fixed route and dial-a-ride services.  She was later promoted as the Transportation and Transit Operations Supervisor.

In 2010, Joyce left West Hollywood to serve as the Transit Operations and Transportation Facilities Manager for the City of Redondo Beach, where she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the city's transportation programs. She coordinated  the successful operations implementation of the new Redondo Beach Transit Center, after the completion of the 15 year construction project effort.

Joyce's government relations experience is extensive, having represented both the City of Redondo Beach and the City of West Hollywood in numerous transit-related committees, including active committee leadership at Metro, Access Services, and the Southern California Association of Governments.

Obed Meija
Senior Bus Equipment Maintenance Instructor
LA Metro

Executive Committee Member

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 32 years of experience in vehicle maintenance and more than 20 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, air system troubleshooting, and battery electric bus operation, providing valuable insights to peers and technicians in the transit industry.  

His commitment to advancing maintenance practices is further demonstrated through his participation committees such as Bus Technical Maintenance and International Bus Roadeo committees for the American Public Transportation Association, 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.

Rashidi Barnes
Tri Delta Transit CEO
Tri Delta Transit

Executive Committee Member

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.

Jannet Malig
Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) Statewide Director
Cerritos College

Executive Committee Member

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.

Current Board Members

Past Board Members

Bradley CarsonBradley Carson
Bradley Carson
Complete Coach Works
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Thomas O'BrienDr. Thomas O'Brien
Dr. Thomas O'Brien
California State University Long Beach
Executive Director Center
Ed KingEd King
Ed King
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Director of Transit Services
Jannet MaligJannet Malig
Jannet Malig
Cerritos College
Advanced Transportation and Logistics (ATL) Statewide Director
Jesus GuerraJesus Guerra
Jesus Guerra
LA Trade Tech College
Associate Professor - Diesel, Alternative Fuel & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Chairman, Transportation Technologies Department
John ZhuangJohn Zhuang
John Zhuang
BYD
Legal Counsel
Karen L. TucholskiKaren L. Tucholski
Karen L. Tucholski
North County Transit
Chief Operations Officer/Support Services
Kenneth McDonaldKenneth McDonald
Kenneth McDonald
Long Beach Transit
President and Chief Executive Officer
Marion ColstonMarion Colston
Marion Colston
LA Metro
Director, Strategic & Organizational Planning
Matthew TuckerMatthew Tucker
Matthew Tucker
North County Transit
Cheif Executive Officer
Mike FinnernMike Finnern
Mike Finnern
Proterra
VP, Customer Success, Program Management & Transit Product Management
Mona BabautaMona Babauta
Mona Babauta
Sunline Transit
CEO/General Manager
Nick SzametNick Szamet
Nick Szamet
Culver City Transportation
Manager of Administration for Culver City Transportation Department
Paula FaustPaula Faust
Paula Faust
Retired
Roland CorderoRoland Cordero
Roland Cordero
Foothill Transit
Director of Maintenance and Vehicle Technology
Rolando CruzRolando Cruz
Rolando Cruz
Culver City Transportation
Chief Transportation Officer (CTO)