At its first meeting of the year on Jan. 9, 2017, the Board unanimously chose Public Member Michael Hennessey as the new Chair of the OCTA Board of Directors.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an agency dedicated to improving the quality of life for Orange County’s residents, businesses and visitors,” Hennessey said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to enhance the county’s transportation system through innovation, collaboration and by delivering on the promises of Measure M.”
Last year, Hennessey served as the Board’s Vice Chair. He replaces outgoing Chair Lori Donchak, a San Clemente councilmember, who remains on the Board.
He is currently the principal of his own real-estate development and consulting firm, Hennessey Group, and has served on the OCTA Board as a public member since 2011.
Replacing Hennessey as Vice Chair is Director Lisa Bartlett, also the 5th District Supervisor for the County of Orange.
Four new members joined the OCTA Board, including Laguna Niguel Councilmember Laurie Davies, representing the 5th District; Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize, representing the 2nd District; Orange Mayor Pro Tem Mark Murphy, representing the 3rd District; and Los Alamitos Councilmember Richard Murphy, representing the 2nd District.
The new Board members replace outgoing directors Jim Katapodis, Jeff Lalloway, Gary Miller and Frank Ury.