Read More: NCTD Awards Negotiating Agreements for Carlsbad Projects
NCTD Board Appoints Interim Executive Director
The appointment of Paul Ballard follows the planned retirement of the current executive director, Matthew O. Tucker, which was announced on Aug. 7.

Paul Ballard’s role during the interim appointment, which includes an initial four-month term, will be to oversee the operations of the District and support the NCTD Board of Directors during the executive director selection process.
Photo: NCTD
The North County Transit District (NCTD) announced its Board of Directors approved the appointment of Paul J. Ballard to the position of interim executive director, effective Aug. 28
The appointment of Ballard follows the planned retirement of the current executive director, Matthew O. Tucker, which was announced on Aug. 7.
Paul J. Ballard's Role, Experience
Ballard’s role during the interim appointment, which includes an initial four-month term, will be to oversee the operations of the District and support the NCTD Board of Directors during the executive director selection process.
He recently served in similar interim CEO roles at Trinity Metro – Fort Worth Transportation Agency in Fort Worth, Texas where he served as interim president and CEO, and at the Regional Transportation District in Denver, Colorado where he served as interim CEO and general manager.
“We are very pleased to have identified someone with Mr. Ballard’s executive-level experience to help guide the District in the coming months as the Board conducts a process for the selection of a new executive director,” said NCTD Board Chair Jewel Edson. “Paul will be a valuable resource for NCTD’s Board and its employees during this transition.”
Ballard's previous roles also include positions as president of Progressive Transportation Services, president of American Transit Corporation, managing director at ATC/Vancom International, and general manager of operations and maintenance at Bi-State Development Agency.
He holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science in Business, Transportation, and Public Utilities Management from the Indiana University School of Business, Bloomington, Indiana.
More Management

Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion
The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.
Read More →
Hitachi Rail Completes Acquisition of Intelligent Transportation Systems Provider Clever Devices
The acquisition expands Hitachi Rail's North American presence and multimodal capabilities, combining rail and bus technologies to deliver more integrated digital solutions for transit agencies.
Read More →
Utah Transit Authority Adopts New Governance Model
State leaders said the changes will improve oversight, coordinate transportation investments, and support expanding transit service across the Wasatch Front.
Read More →
Federal Highway Administration Seeks Public Input on Future of Interstate System
The initiative invites feedback on new routes, major upgrades, and emerging transportation needs, including issues that could affect public transit and motorcoach operations.
Read More →
New York MTA to Replace Three East End LIRR Bridges
Each structure, built between 1895 and 1921, serves vehicular traffic over the LIRR’s Montauk Branch.
Read More →
Transit Pilot Offers Lessons for Expanding Mobility Access
An Urban Institute evaluation found that a fare-free transit program increased ridership, reduced transportation barriers, and improved access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services.
Read More →
Tolar Manufacturing Marks 35 Years in Transit Infrastructure Industry
Founded in 1991 by Gary Tolar, the Corona, Calif.-based company has expanded from its first major transit contract in San Diego to projects in cities throughout the US and Canada.
Read More →
SEPTA Board Approves FY2027 Budget Amid Funding Challenges
The spending plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year and includes investments in new buses, additional full-length fare gates, and other customer enhancements.
Read More →
North Carolina CATS Approves Fare Modernization, Fare Ambassadors Programs
The initiatives will introduce new payment options, fare capping, and rider education as the Charlotte transit agency looks to simplify fares and improve the customer experience.
Read More →
Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California
The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.
Read More →