After conducting an extensive nationwide search, the Lane Transit District Board of Directors announced the names of three finalists for the general manager position. Each finalist brings a diverse and valuable combination of experience and success, and together they hold a combined 83 years of transit experience.

Each of the three finalists will participate in a two-day interview process involving community members, bus riders, employees, and the Board on September 29 and 30, 2015. The three finalists are Aurora Jackson, director of transportation for Montebello Bus Lines in Montebello, Calif.; Stephen Spade, transit director for Wichita Transit in Wichita, Kan.; and Andy Vobora, director of customer service and planning at Lane Transit District in Eugene, Ore.

Jackson began her career as a bus driver for the City of Montebello. She left Montebello in 2002 to join the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) where she served as Assistant Transportation Manager for two divisions of the large LACMTA system. She was asked by the City of Montebello to return as their General Manager in 2008.

Her current property has 240 employees and transports 8.1 million rides annually.

Spade has served in this position since October 2012. His current property has 140 employees and 73 vehicles. Prior to his tenure in Wichita, Steve was the GM of the Chapel Hill, North Carolina transit system for six years where he worked closely with the local University and the Des Moines, Iowa Transportation Authority for 22 years.

Vobora is currently the director of customer services and planning at LTD, a position he has held since 1995. He manages a staff group of 35 employees.
In his position, Vobora is responsible for service planning, accessible and customer services, marketing, facilities services, transportation options, and serves as the District's public information officer

“This has been a very competitive process that has attracted some of the brightest talent in transit. The strength of our candidate pool is a testament to LTD’s strong record of success, excellent staff, and depth of community support. We are excited to welcome such a talented group of leaders to compete for the job. What stands out about each of these candidates is their track record of listening to their communities to provide the best service possible,” LTD Board President Gary Wildish said.

Current LTD GM Ron Kilcoyne announced in March his plans to retire. His retirement date is set for October 30, 2015. Kilcoyne is the fifth GM in LTD history and has worked at the agency since July 2011.