An Irvine resident has been selected to lead the operations of California’s largest network of toll roads. Transportation Corridor Agencies, which operate Orange County’s toll roads, including the 241, 261 and 73, affirmed that Interim CEO Samuel Johnson retained the role of CEO.
He is the first person of color to hold the top position at TCA and the highest-ranking black leader in Orange County transportation. He is responsible for an annual budget of nearly $400 million.
Johnson, who joined TCA in 2015 as chief toll operations officer, was named interim CEO in April. He reformed TCA’s internal audit to increase transparency and created a policy to protect consumer privacy. He also worked with the agencies’ board members to cut TCA’s budget by half.
“Johnson has a unique ability to inspire,” board chairwoman and Irvine Mayor Christina Shea says. “His enthusiasm for tolling and transportation, and his genuine desire to improve quality of life through mobility initiatives, inspires everyone around him, from staff to executive leadership to board members.”
