Metrolink Names Kettle CEO

The board of directors for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority named Darren Kettle CEO of Metrolink. 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.

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.

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-strong 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.

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