AC Transit Congratulates Toks Omishakin on his Governor’s Appointment

On Monday, February 7 Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Director Toks Omishakin to serve as Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) honors and says thank you to Secretary Omishakin for trailblazing the way as the newly appointed California State Transportation Agency Secretary and leader in sustainable and equitable transportation. 

Toks Omishakin, 44, has served as Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) since 2019. He resides in Sacramento with his wife and family.  Governor Newsom announced that “Director Omishakin has implemented innovative strategies to create a more equitable, world-class transportation network for all users while improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods across the state. Under his leadership, Caltrans has worked to accelerate more than 100 roadway projects during the pandemic, adjusted operations to help keep goods moving amid supply chain challenges and spearheaded the transformative Clean California program that is revitalizing public spaces across California. As head of the largest and most complex transportation system in the nation, I’m confident that he’ll continue to bring his forward-thinking leadership and dedication to serving the people of California to advance our ongoing work to build safer, healthier and more sustainable communities that serve all Californians.”

Prior to arriving in California, Omishakin, served as Deputy Commissioner for Environment and Planning at the Tennessee Department of Transportation from 2011 to 2019. He was Director of Healthy Living Initiatives in the Nashville Mayor’s Office from 2008 to 2011. Omishakin earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson State University. This position requires Senate approval. Omishakin is registered without party preference.

Earlier this week, Omishakin visited Alameda County with his senior staff delegation for an Alameda County Transportation Commission tour, which featured transit priority projects, including AC Transit’s innovative zero-emission bus technology and infrastructure as well as a showcase of our Tempo project.  The visit was an all-day activity that started with a bicycle tour followed by a windshield tour aboard an AC Transit hydrogen fuel cell bus, and a visit to facilities at the Port of Oakland and AC Transit.

As Caltrans Director, Omishakin also issued the pioneering 2020-2024 Caltrans Strategic Plan that acknowledges past historical, and present harms in transportation decision making; and instead lays the groundwork for intentional and integrated commitments and actions to people, programs and projects, partnerships, and the planet through equitable, sustainable, and accountable actions to create a brighter future for all Californians. 

Thank you for your leadership and congratulations Secretary Omishakin!