RTD Leadership Team
Bearnard O. Veasley
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Bearnard O. Veasley serves as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), where he leads the agency’s operations, service delivery, and organizational strategy during a period of transition.
A military veteran who has proudly served his country, Bearnard brings more than 30 years of experience in transportation, logistics, and public service. He has led complex transportation systems across multiple large organizations, with a strong track record of improving operational performance, strengthening workforce collaboration, and ensuring safe and reliable service.
Bearnard has held senior leadership roles in major school districts, including Stockton Unified School District, where he directed transportation operations serving more than 36,000 students and managed a fleet of 150 buses and a large, diverse workforce. He has also led transportation programs in Simi Valley Unified School District and McKenzie County School District #1, overseeing fleet operations, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and service delivery across broad geographic areas.
In addition to his civilian leadership, Bearnard’s military service includes managing large-scale, multi-modal transportation and logistics operations, supporting the movement of personnel and equipment across air, land, and water systems.
Throughout his career, Bearnard has been recognized for his hands-on leadership style, ability to stabilize and improve complex operations, and commitment to accountability, safety, and customer service. Colleagues have credited him with building stronger teams, reducing operational challenges, and delivering practical, results-driven solutions in high-demand environments.
As Interim CEO, Bearnard is focused on maintaining safe, reliable transit service for the communities RTD serves, supporting employees, and ensuring operational continuity while the agency advances its long-term strategic priorities.
Erica Aguiñiga
Executive Assistant to the CEO and Board
Erica joined San Joaquin RTD in 2021 and serves as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Board. In this role, she provides high-level strategic support to the CEO and oversees administrative governance for the Board of Directors, ensuring organizational compliance with the California Brown Act. She brings over 15 years of leadership expertise, including nearly a decade of senior-level management where she led teams of up to 20 staff members and directed multi-site operations.
An active member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Erica participates in the Transit Board Administrators subcommittee and mentorship programs. She has completed specialized transit governance and leadership training through Hanson Bridgett LLP and the Westgate Center for Leadership & Management Development. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Human Services from California State University, Stanislaus.
Vacant
Chief Operating Officer
RTD is currently identifying candidates for this role.
Vacant
Chief Financial Officer
RTD is currently identifying candidates for this role. Financial oversight continues through existing executive leadership.
John Hodson
Chief Information Officer
Mr. Hodson joined RTD in January 2023 as the Chief Information Officer. He has been a powerhouse in executive leadership for the last decade. His experience spans highly coveted roles such as Director of Technology, Head of IT, and Information Security Officer. He is an experienced professional with a deep passion for sustainability and civic engagement. From achieving perfect marks on the Cisco Certified Design Associate exam to cutting-edge projects such as The Method South Side Soap Box and its Gotham Greens rooftop farm, he has continuously demonstrated his ability to innovate and create positive change.
As an immigrant to this country, Mr. Hodson has actively championed diversity initiatives through key leadership roles, supportively mentoring individuals in underserved communities. He has served as Vice President of Interact, sponsored by Modesto Rotary; a mentor in the Helping One Student To Succeed (HOSTS) program to help local students with STEM skills; and is currently a board member of the Vallejo Center for the Arts in a CIO advisory role offering participation in philanthropic efforts such as Visions of the Wild Festival in Vallejo.
Curtis Moses
Safety, Security, and Risk Management Chief
Mr. Moses joined RTD in August 2023 as the Safety, Security, and Risk Management Director. He has over twenty years of executive management experience in the transportation industry and over twenty years as an electrical engineer. He has traveled the east coast commissioning rail rolling stock or infrastructure projects from Boston to Atlanta. Within the transportation industry, he has also worked for ALSTOM Transportation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Charles County Government in Maryland, and Santa Cruz Regional Transit District. He is a Board member of the California Transit Indemnity Pool where he oversees RTD’s liability insurance program. He has multiple certifications in safety, quality, transit security, and a degree in Electrical/Mechanical engineering.
Mr. Moses was a guest speaker at both Global Mass Transit conferences in Washington, DC and Sacramento, California regarding transit agencies’ state of good repair. He has traveled to China, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Canada commissioning electrical control projects for various industries.
Damaris Galvan
Director of Planning, Mobility, and Customer Experience
Ms. Galvan joined RTD in 2006 as an Administrative Assistant in the Service Development and Planning Department. Over the years, she has advanced through a series of roles including Analyst, Senior Specialist, Manager, and was appointed Director in 2023.
Ms. Galvan currently serves as Director of Planning, Mobility, and Customer Experience, providing strategic oversight of service planning, mobility programs, and customer experience functions, including Customer Engagement and Marketing. She also leads RTD’s Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA) responsibilities under Access San Joaquin, including ADA paratransit eligibility, coordination of countywide mobility programs, and oversight of key contracts supporting these services.
She has played a key leadership role in major initiatives such as the Next Gen system redesign study, development and implementation of service proposals, Title VI policy updates, runcut production, and service data management. Earlier in her career, her contributions were recognized with five Employee of the Month awards and two Employee of the Year awards.
Ms. Galvan holds a Master of Business Administration from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima, Peru; a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Lima, Peru; and a certificate in the Transit and Paratransit Management Program from University of the Pacific.
John Coose
Facilities Superintendent
Mr. Coose joined San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) in 2003. Throughout his years of service, Mr. Coose has overseen the maintenance of five facilities with a combined square footprint of 245,000 and the management of approximately 850 bus stops. Mr. Coose oversees RTD’s Facilities Department staff, manages construction projects, hazardous waste management programs, and ensures compliance of RTD’s Transit Asset Management plan.
Since becoming the Facilities Superintendent in 2020, Mr. Coose has successfully completed projects that have lowered greenhouse gas emissions including the construction of eight depot chargers designed to support its electric bus fleet, a battery energy storage system to help lower peak demand charging, and a photovoltaic system to offset energy consumption.
Mr. Coose has served the community as a Reserve Firefighter for the Stockton Fire Department and completed an internship at the Ebbett’s Pass Fire Department. In 2017, he received his Firefighter 1 Certificate and his Emergency Medical Technician Certificate. Mr. Coose has completed the Transit Paratransit Management Certificate Program from the University of Pacific.
John Van Camp
Maintenance Superintendent
Mr. Van Camp joined RTD in February 2014 as a Maintenance Supervisor, he was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Superintendent in June of 2022. He assumed the role of Maintenance Superintendent in February 2024. He brings over nine years of transit experience, including expertise in bus maintenance, vehicle procurement, project management, contract administration, and labor relations.
Before joining RTD, John was a shop foreman at Cummins for nine years. John is an ASE-certified mechanic and a graduate of the University of the Pacific’s Transit Paratransit Certificate Program. He is a certified instructor with the California Regional Transit Training Consortium in basic and advanced electricity and Cummins Fuel Systems.
Ken Baxter
Director of Government Affairs and Special Projects
Mr. Baxter is a seasoned professional with over 41 years of experience in California state government. As the Director of Government Affairs and Special Projects at RTD, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Throughout his career, Mr. Baxter has held various positions including Chief of Staff for the Director of Caltrans and executive assignments with the California State Senate Housing and Transportation Committee, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, and with the U. S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his impressive government career, Mr. Baxter is also a highly respected academic. For the past 27 years, he has taught courses on American Government, Public Administration, Business, and Community Planning.
Mr. Baxter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, a Master’s in Public Administration, and two Leadership Development Certificates.
LaShonda Nelson
Transportation Superintendent
Ms. Nelson joined RTD in 1992 as a Customer Information Clerk and was promoted to Metro Operator after 13 years of exceptional service. With her vast experience in customer service and skilled driving, she excelled for 10 years as an operator on various routes in the Stockton Metropolitan Area. In 2013, Ms. Nelson became a Transportation Supervisor and in 2016, she was recruited to become a Transportation Supervisor/Trainer, responsible for training new operators and administering required federal and state programs.
In 2022, she became the first African American female Transportation Superintendent at RTD, overseeing two transportation divisions and a team of over 130 staff members. Ms. Nelson holds various certifications from institutions such as Heald Business College, the Transit Safety Institute, and Westgate Programs. With 30 years of experience at RTD, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
Merab Talamantes
Director of Grants and Capital Projects
Ms. Talamantes is the Director of Grants and Capital Projects for the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), where she leads the agency’s grant portfolio and oversees the delivery of a multi-year capital program supporting fleet, facilities, and infrastructure investments. She is responsible for securing and managing federal, state, and local funding; ensuring regulatory compliance; and advancing projects from planning through implementation.
With more than a decade of progressive experience in public transit, Ms. Talamantes has held leadership roles spanning capital program management, board governance, strategic planning, and communications. She previously served as Director of Administration and Project Controls Manager, where she led RTD’s Capital Improvement Program and supported executive and board operations.
Ms. Talamantes is an alumna of the Eno Center for Transportation’s Transit Mid-Manager Program and serves on the Downtown Stockton Alliance Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Humphreys University and is pursuing a Master of Science in Transportation Management at San José State University.
Noel Mink
Director of Human Resources
Ms. Mink joined RTD in November 2024 as the Director of Human Resource, bringing over 15 years of experience in human resources and government. She started as a Training Supervisor at a 911 center and has led Human Resource (HR) teams in various municipal governments. She manages employee groups from 100 to 4,000 for communities up to 400,000 people. Her education includes a degree in Human Resources and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, aiding her success in diverse HR settings.
Throughout her career, Ms. Mink has driven results through strategic initiatives and collaborative leadership. She is known for building strong relationships between management and union reps, helping reach mutual agreements. Her efforts in reducing attrition and vacancy rates highlight her capability in creating strategic work environments. Her “lead with yes” philosophy promotes open dialogue and trust, aligning policies with organizational goals. Her impact in HR has been recognized with awards, including an employee-voted Team of the Year award.
Thomas Dempsey
Director of Procurement
Mr. Dempsey joined RTD in July 2024 as the Procurement Director. He comes to RTD with over 24 years of public agency contract and procurement experience at the state and local levels, including over 14 years in leadership roles. Prior to joining RTD, Mr. Dempsey worked at the Sacramento Regional Transit District.
Mr. Dempsey has successfully led transitions to new system software, streamlined operations, enhanced productivity, delivered significant cost savings, and improved vendor management systems. Known for navigating complex processes and policy changes, he has a proven track record of leading procurement teams to achieve strategic goals and deliver outstanding results in the public sector.
As a United States Coast Guard veteran and active member of the reserve, Mr. Dempsey has served with distinction and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service. Mr. Dempsey holds a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University, Sacramento, and a leadership academy certificate from the State of California Secretary of Health and Human Services.