Metrolink names Darren Kettle as new CEO

Metrolink names Darren Kettle as new CEO

Kettle is currently the executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), one of the five regional transportation agencies that comprise the joint powers authority that governs Metrolink.

Source: Metrolink

July 23, 2021
Darren Kettle

Metrolink, heaquartered in Los Angeles, has named Darren Kettle chief executive officer. He is currently the executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), one of the five regional transportation agencies that comprise the joint powers authority that governs Metrolink.

At VCTC, Kettle was responsible for working with cities within Ventura County and the county government to plan, fund and manage a wide array of activities designed to give residents access to jobs, schools, shopping centers and essential services. Kettle has been the executive director of VCTC since 2007.

“I am excited to join Metrolink as the new CEO and want to thank the Board for their vote of confidence and partnership,” said Kettle. “Over the years I’ve had the chance to work with Metrolink as a regional partner. Now, I look forward to leading the executive team and the entire staff to continue its customer-first approach and rebuild ridership lost during the pandemic.”

Metrolink has embarked on the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Program, a $10 billion capital campaign to improve rail safety and service prior to the 2028 games. The agency has received $2.8 billion in SCORE funding to date.

At Metrolink, Kettle will lead a 283-employee regional passenger railroad that services 62 stations in six southern California counties across a 538-mile network. Kettle’s expected start date is Sept. 7.

Prior to joining VCTC, Kettle was employed by the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG - now known as the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority) beginning November 2000 and served as the director of freeway construction from July 2003 through October 2007.

Before becoming the director of freeway construction, Kettle was the director of intergovernmental and legislative affairs for both SANBAG and the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) where he managed a collaborative government affairs program for the two counties.

His professional career spans 32 years working for local and regional government agencies including the City of Rialto, the County of San Bernardino, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), his positions with the transportation agencies of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and his position with VCTC. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, San Bernardino.

Kettle replaces Stephanie Wiggins, who became CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) in May. Arnold Hackett has recently served as Metrolink’s interim CEO.

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