OCTA Names Federico 2026 Board Chair
Dana Point council member Jamey Federico selected to lead OCTA Board for 2026
OCTA Names Federico 2026 Board Chair
Orange County transit riders will see new leadership guiding transportation decisions this year. The Orange County Transportation Authority Board selected Jamey M. Federico, a Dana Point council member, as its 2026 Board Chair on January 27. Federico takes over from outgoing Chair Doug Chaffee to lead the 18-member Board of Directors overseeing transit operations and infrastructure projects across Orange County.
Leadership Transition at Regional Transit Agency
The Board Chair position rotates annually at OCTA, with members selecting new leadership to guide policy decisions and strategic direction for the region's transit system. Federico's appointment continues the agency's practice of drawing leadership from local elected officials who serve on the Board. The 18-member Board of Directors includes representatives from Orange County cities and the County Board of Supervisors, providing regional oversight of bus service, freeway projects, and rail operations. Officials didn't specify Federico's specific priorities or policy focus areas for his term as chair.
New Chair's Role and Responsibilities
As Board Chair, Federico will preside over monthly Board meetings and represent OCTA at regional transportation discussions throughout 2026. The chair works with agency staff to set meeting agendas and coordinates with other Board members on policy initiatives. OCTA oversees bus service throughout Orange County, manages freeway improvement projects, and coordinates with regional rail services. Specific details about Federico's background in transportation policy or his goals for the year weren't available in the announcement. The agency typically releases more information about leadership priorities after chairs take office.
Transition Takes Effect Immediately
Federico assumed the Board Chair role following the January 27 announcement, with the leadership transition taking effect for the 2026 calendar year. OCTA Board leadership typically changes at the start of each year, allowing new chairs to guide the agency through budget cycles and project planning periods. Officials didn't announce who will serve in other Board leadership positions or committee assignments for 2026.
What Riders Need to Know
The Board Chair appointment doesn't directly affect day-to-day transit service, but leadership decisions influence long-term planning for routes, fares, and infrastructure investments throughout Orange County. Riders can stay informed about Board decisions and service updates through Moovit, which provides real-time information for OCTA bus routes and connections throughout the region. The agency holds monthly public Board meetings where riders can learn about upcoming changes and policy discussions.
