The California Transit Training Consortium (CTTC) announced key leadership appointments and an expanded workforce development strategy to strengthen academic partnerships, broaden technical training opportunities, and support the evolving needs of California's public transit industry.

Since unveiling its refreshed brand identity in 2024, CTTC has grown its statewide presence and now serves 42 public transit agencies across California.

Building on more than two decades of workforce development leadership, the organization is expanding beyond its historical emphasis on zero-emission technologies to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of technical and professional development programs that prepare transit professionals for the increasingly complex systems powering modern public transportation, the organization said.

Expanded Training Strategy

The expanded training strategy includes specialized learning pathways in high-voltage systems, multiplexing systems, low-voltage electrical diagnostics, vehicle communications networks, advanced bus systems, and emerging transportation technologies.

As part of this initiative, CTTC recently opened registration for new high-voltage training classes through its member learning portal, providing transit professionals with expanded access to vital technical education.

“The future of public transportation depends on the strength of its workforce,” said Norman Tuitavuki, Chairperson of the CTTC board and COO of Monterey-Salinas Transit. “Over the past two decades, CTTC has grown from a regional training consortium into a statewide workforce development leader serving 42 transit agencies across California. Our vision is to create the nation’s most comprehensive transit learning network by connecting transit agencies, colleges, universities, and industry partners to deliver the skills and knowledge required for the next generation of transportation professionals.”

New Personnel Appointments

To support the next phase of growth, CTTC appointed Jannet Malig as president, Rolando Cruz as CFO, and Nicole Sherman as training coordinator.

Malig brings more than 20 years of experience leading workforce development, advanced transportation, and clean energy initiatives throughout California’s community college system. She currently serves as the sector navigator for Advanced Transportation and Logistics at Cerritos College, the director of Workforce Training Associates, and the co-director of Long Beach Clean Cities and Communities.

As president, Malig will lead CTTC’s efforts to expand academic partnerships, strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and transit agencies, and support the development of new technical curricula aligned with workforce demands throughout California.

Sherman brings more than 20 years of experience managing workforce development and career education initiatives across K-12 education, California Community Colleges, public fleet organizations, and municipal agencies. She will oversee training coordination, curriculum delivery, learner engagement, registration, and program administration to support CTTC’s growing portfolio of technical training programs.

Meanwhile, Cruz returns as CFO, bringing more than three decades of transportation leadership experience spanning finance, fleet maintenance, facilities operations, and executive management.

Before his retirement in 2023, Cruz served as chief transportation officer for the City of Culver City and previously held executive leadership positions with both Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus and Long Beach Transit.

 Cruz’s appointment reflects CTTC’s continued commitment to leadership grounded in industry experience and operational excellence.

Long Beach Transit is widely recognized as the founding agency of the consortium, where James A. Ditch helped establish what would become CTTC more than 20 years ago. Cruz’s longstanding leadership within California’s transit industry provides a valuable perspective as the organization continues its statewide expansion.

CTTC also announced the appointment of Mark Hollenbeck as membership and marketing committee chair. Hollenbeck also currently serves as vice chair of the executive board.

In his leadership roles, Hollenbeck will guide membership growth initiatives, statewide outreach efforts, strategic partnerships, and marketing activities that support CTTC’s long-term vision and strategic objectives.

Together, the appointments of Malig, Cruz, Sherman, and Hollenbeck represent CTTC’s commitment to building a stronger workforce development ecosystem that connects public transit, higher education, and private industry, said officials.

The leadership team will guide the organization as it expands technical learning pathways, increases educational partnerships, and develops training opportunities that support California’s evolving transportation workforce.