RTD Leadership Team
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 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.
Vacant
Chief Financial Officer
RTD is currently identifying candidates for this role. Financial oversight continues through existing executive leadership.
Curtis Moses
Director of Safety and Security
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 and Service Development
In 2007, Ms. Galvan joined RTD as an Administrative Assistant in the Service Development Department and Planning. Over the years, she has been promoted to Analyst, Senior Specialist, Manager, and eventually became the Director of Planning and Service Development in 2023.
Ms. Galvan has played a crucial role in various projects including Next Gen system redesign study, service proposals and implementations, Title VI Policies, runcuts production, and data management. Ms. Galvan’s outstanding work has been recognized with five Employee of the Month awards and two Employee of the Year awards.
Ms. Galvan holds an MBA 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 Transit and Paratransit Management Program from University of the Pacific.
Ken Baxter
Director of Government Affairs
Mr. Baxter is a seasoned professional with over 41 years of experience in California state government. As the Government Affairs Director 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, 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 24 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.
Merab Talamantes
Director of Administration
Ms. Talamantes began her career at RTD in January 2013 and has served as the Project Controls Manager overseeing RTD’s Capital Improvement Program since May 2020 and recently transitioned to Director of Administration. With over a decade of transit experience, she also officially oversees the Executive and Board Support, Marketing and Customer Engagement Departments, and capital projects management. Merab has served on the Downtown Stockton Alliance Board of Directors since July 2020.
Ms. Talamantes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Humphrey’s University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Transportation Management at San José State University’s Lucas Graduate School of Business.
Noel Mink
Director of Human Resources / Interim CEO
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.
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.
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.
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.
Omar Thomas
Transportation Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Thomas joined RTD as an operator in 2002, earning the Employee of the Month award multiple times for his exceptional performance. In 2007, he was promoted to Transportation Supervisor, where he was responsible for timekeeping and managing coach operators. Omar worked closely with the planning department to enhance bus service for the community.
In 2021, Omar was promoted to Transportation Lead Supervisor, overseeing the transportation supervisors. His outstanding contributions earned him the Employee of the Year award the same year. Omar holds multiple certifications, including from the Transit Safety Institute and West Gate Programs.
In 2023, Omar became the Transportation Assistant Superintendent at RTD, where he currently oversees the County Division.
Daniel Garza
Procurement Manager
Mr. Garza joined RTD in August 2024 as the Procurement Manager. He brings over 20 years of experience in Procurement and Contracts, and 13 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps, where he completed five tours overseas and honed his leadership and logistical skills in high-pressure environments. After transitioning to civilian life, Mr. Garza contributed his expertise to the Defense Contact Management Agency, managing complex procurement operations supporting national defense initiatives.
In subsequent roles at the City of Stockton, and the City of Concord, Mr. Garza excelled in contract management and financial oversight, ensuring efficient and effective utilization of public resources. His exceptional work at the City of Concord was recognized with the prestigious Procurement Award, highlighting his commitment to fiscal responsibility and excellence in public service.
Mr. Garza is also affiliated with the California Association of Public Procurement, underscoring his dedication to staying at the forefront of best practices in public procurement and contract management. Mr. Garza holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and is known for his ability to manage large-scale projects and optimize organizational processes across both government and municipal operations.
Maximilian Cao
Marketing and Customer Engagement Supervisor
In 2014, Mr. Cao joined RTD as a Communications and Customer Relations Specialist before transitioning to various marketing roles and becoming the Marketing Supervisor where he manages all aspects of RTD’s marketing strategy including advertising campaigns, social media presence, market research and analysis, and brand messaging. In 2020, he was promoted to Supervisor of Marketing and Customer Engagement, expanding his responsibilities to include improving customer satisfaction and experience, and managing community engagement initiatives.
Mr. Cao has consistently been recognized for his exceptional contributions and earned national awards from organizations such as the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association, American Public Transportation Association, Graphic Design USA, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
He is also actively involved in the Stockton community, serving as Chair of the Stockton Arts Commission, member of the Stockton Art Foundation, and various local governance committees investing in community-driven projects.