Oakland, Calif.’s Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) announced the appointment of Salvador “Sal” Llamas as the transit district’s new GM/CEO.

Llamas’ appointment follows an extensive national search led by Krauthamer & Associates, a firm with over 50 years of experience placing executives across transit, aerospace, financial services, technology, banking, defense, healthcare, and education sectors. 

The selection process also included listening sessions with the communities AC Transit has served for 65 years, as well as with its employees — whose input “helped shape the priorities and desired leadership qualities for the transit district's next GM.”

"Each finalist for the GM-CEO position demonstrated strong strategic leadership and vision. However, what set Mr. Llamas apart was his well-established relationship with our diverse workforce of approximately 2,300 employees, as well as, his deep familiarity with the Bay Area and its unique transit demands," said Board President Diane Shaw. "As AC Transit's Chief Operating Officer, he has shown a comprehensive understanding of our operating and capital budgets — an asset critical to ensuring the District's immediate and long-term stability. With the new fiscal year ushering in a period of undeniable transition, the Board recognized the need for a solutions-oriented executive who can guide us through ongoing fiscal challenges with agility and foresight. We are confident that Mr. Llamas brings all these qualities, and more, to his new role as GM/CEO."

Keeping it in the AC Transit Family

Llamas has been a dedicated member of the AC Transit family since 2012, when he joined as director, maintenance, later rising to COO in 2017. 

Over the past 13 years, he has delivered measurable results, including a nearly 10% improvement in on-time performance and a 43% reduction in accident rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Llamas served as incident commander for the District’s Emergency Operations Center, guiding AC Transit through one of its most challenging periods.

Llamas has also led major strategic initiatives, including the development of the Transit Asset Management Plan (TAM), the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), and the nationally recognized 5X5 Study, now considered a definitive roadmap for transit agencies transitioning to zero-emission fleets.

"I am deeply honored by the board's confidence in me as the new GM and CEO. While AC Transit faces challenges ahead, I will rely on the core principles of 'improvise, adapt, and overcome' as we begin this next chapter in transit," said Llamas. "My time with the District has only strengthened my resolve that our bus lines are essential lifelines, driving the success of the East Bay. That success takes a team, and AC Transit is home to some of the most ingenious professionals in the industry. Although the pandemic has shifted rider demands, it will not shift our time-honored commitment to equitable, reliable, accessible, and, most importantly, affordable transit. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue our shared mission as General Manager.”

Llamas will officially assume the role of GM on May 15.