2023 AGM Nominee Bios and Registration Link

For the 2023-2024 OPTA Board election, there are four (4) vacancies to be filled. At least three (3) of these vacancies must be filled by employees of transit system members.

Transit System Nominees

Carla Stout

Carla Stout, Niagara Transit Commission

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Carla Stout is educated in Public Administration and has dedicated the last 25 years to local government management and public service in transit. She has successfully managed and innovated both small contracted and larger conventional systems of transit provision within the Niagara region for two decades. Recently Carla was appointed as the inaugural General Manager for the newly amalgamated Niagara Transit Commission. She was elected in 2021 to the Board of Directors for the Ontario Public Transit Association.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I sincerely wish to continue representing the interests, successes and concerns of transit agencies across Ontario with my colleagues on the OPTA Board. As a newly amalgamated service in Niagara, it will be integral for the NRT to be able to tap into the OPTA membership for guidance, best practice and support to do the very best for our riders and teams. That is what transit folks are and is what we’re all all about. Leading the Board from the perspective of always keeping the members in mind and advocating for their best result – that’s how OPTA will best represent and move transit forward. As agencies recover and renew themselves post-pandemic, I’d like OPTA and my organization to be a part of the ‘next normal’ that will propel transit forward in the province.

Dennis Childs

Dennis Childs, Simcoe (County of) Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Dennis Childs is the Manager of Simcoe County LINX Transit and is instrumental in developing and implementing the County of Simcoe Transit launching in 2018. In addition, Dennis oversees the Simcoe County LINX Transit conventional and specialized transit. I have worked with many Ontario transit agencies, including the Toronto Transit Commission, Durham Region Transit, MVT Canadian Bus (Barrie Transit), Metrolinx and LINX Transit. Dennis has over 40 years of experience in the transit industry and greatly understands and appreciates Transit’s importance to everyone.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I can bring my experience, creditable, integrity and commitment as a board member to OPTA. I have a diverse background in the transit industry, from the front line to senior management, from small authorities to large properties, and from the public and private transit sectors. In 2020, I was awarded CUTA Individual Leadership Award in the Edward J. Dowling Distinguished Service category. This is an excellent opportunity to share and support small to larger transit authorities with the province and use my knowledge, experience and ability to develop Transit within Ontario.

Doug Spooner

Doug Spooner, Waterloo, Region of (Grand River Transit)

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

“I’ve worked in Transit/Transportation for the majority of my career. I’m currently with Grand River Transit as the Director of Transit Services, and previously with Metrolinx/GO Transit (various roles), the Invictus Games, and the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. I’ve worked across a wide variety of roles, from TDM, to Service Design, to Stations Planning – and enjoyed each and every one.
I’ve also been a board member of a not-for-profit organization in Toronto’s west end that focused on at-risk and newcomer youth, so I have a bit of experience with board work, and understand the commitment I’m making with this application.”

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

OPTA provides so many great services to it’s members, from advocacy, engagement, learning/training, and additionally all of the supports through the Pandemic. My involvement to date has primarily been through the Planning & Scheduling Committee, and a little bit of Zero Emission Bus/HR& Operations. As a new leader of an amazing Transit System, I’m hoping to provide my enthusiasm and hard work to the OPTA board, but also to learn from other Board members as I advance my learning on all things transit and leadership. Thank you for considering my application!

Kelly Paleczny

Kelly Paleczny, London Transit Commission

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Kelly Paleczny has been with the London Transit Commission for the past 25 years, and has held the role of General Manager since 2015. In addition to her role at LTC, Kelly has and continues to be involved in advocacy at both the Provincial and Federal levels through her work on the OPTA and CUTA boards.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

OPTA provides member benefits on a number of fronts, including information sharing and advocacy, and in order for the Association to function well, members need to participate. I believe my experience in the transit industry as well as that on the board for the past number of years will be beneficial going forward. A mix of new members and those with some experience is critical for the board to function well and to ensure that the Association continues to thrive.

Stephan Labelle

Stephan Labelle, Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

32 years in the military as a fleet and transportation manager, and three years as fleet and transit manager with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit.

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I’m interested in helping OPTA with the myriad projects ongoing. I’m also hoping that I can help with various committees.

Business Nominees

Adam Kennedy

Adam Kennedy, Plan Group

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

“I have an excellent understanding of the public transit market, and specifically, the local needs of the market in Ontario. My 18 years (and running) professional career has been in the public transit industry delivering technology, systems and construction projects and maintenance services. All of my work since 2011 has been within the Province of Ontario.

I have managed teams delivering to 13 transit organizations across the province including:Transit Windsor, London Transit Commission, Grand River Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Burlington Transit, Oakville Transit, MiWay, Brampton Transit, Toronto Transit Commission, York Region Transit, Durham Region Transit, GO Transit / Metrolinx / UP Express, and OC Transpo.

My team’s current active programs include: performing field service of all PRESTO fare collection equipment installed onboard the the GTHA fleet and at customer service center locations (except GO Transit), performing logistics required for hardware vendor repair / replacement of all PRESTO fare collection equipment, performing field service of all PRESTO reloading equipment installed at third-party retailers (Shoppers / Loblaws) in the GTHA and Ottawa, performing field service of PRESTO street side fare collection equipment installed at YRT VIVA stops, performing field service of TTC bus shelter passenger information signs, performing electrical maintenance of industrial equipment installed at TTC’s streetcar maintenance facility, installing active transportation counting equipment at key intersections within York Region, and performing fixed asset tagging and inventorying for Metrolinx at GO Rail stations across the GTHA.

In recent years I’ve realized the value obtained by staying in contact with the industry and have been an active participant at meetings, conferences and trade shows run by OPTA, CUTA, CUTRIC and InnoTrans.”

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I want to give back to the industry that has given me my career. I want to share my knowledge, insight and experience from working almost two decades in the industry in order to help make it better. I want to further educate myself on how the industry governs and runs.

Ammar Nawaz

Ammar Nawaz, Alectra Energy Solutions

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

Ammar Nawaz is an energy professional, commercial growth leader, and technical expert with over a decade of hands-on electricity industry experience, including enterprise strategy development, new business model implementation such as EaaS, and regulatory reform initiatives to facilitate utility business transformation. Ammar is recognized as a thought leader for driving strategic change in the utility space, and has developed and led initiatives focused on technical transformation, and built organizational capabilities to foster innovation. Ammar is currently the Vice President of the Distributed Energy Solutions group at Alectra Energy Solutions, the non-regulated affiliate of Alectra Utilities Corporation, the 2nd largest municipally owned utility in North America and largest municipally owned utility in Canada. Ammar is an Electrical Engineer, and also holds a Masters in Laws (LL.M) in Energy & Infrastructure. Ammar also serves as a Director on the Energy Storage Canada (ESC) Board, and the former Chair of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) West Toronto.”

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

As Transit Agencies begin long-term electrification projects, they require a partner who understands the unique needs of the grid interconnection with complex charging solutions including high-powered charging equipment, and distributed energy solutions such as on-site power generation (e.g.: solar), battery energy storage, and microgrids. As the head of the Distributed Energy Solutions group at Alectra Energy Solutions, Ammar is in a unique position to represent the key role LDCs (Local Distribution Companies) play with their transit agencies in supporting their electrification journey.

John Pagliaro

John Pagliaro, Bytemark Canada

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

“John Pagliaro joined the Bytemark Management Team in January of 2021 as our Executive Director for Canada. In this role, John leads Bytemark’s efforts and delivery throughout Canada. John is a recognized leader in both the payment and fintech industry.

Most recently, John served as the Senior Vice President of National Account Sales for Moneris Canada, where he managed the organization’s enterprise portfolio and drove new opportunities, helping clients find the best payment solutions. During his tenure, John collaborated with some of Canada’s biggest businesses (including transportation and parking leaders) to create seamless, secure customer experiences through emerging payment technologies.”

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

I’m passionate about public transit and specifically in moving the industry into an innovated and customer focused fare collection systems. Allowing all riders the ability to easily choose public transit as their first choice when commuting anywhere. If we as the leaders of Transit make it frictionless with options on how to plan and pay for transit with the convenience of cash, electronic tickets or tap & go solutions; I feel we will encourage and attract riders. Of course the improvement to the infrastructure of all public transit along with new EV buses would highly contribute to renewed interest in using public transit is key to any city’s plans of getting back ridership to prepandemic levels. I want to help us get there and utilize my knowledge of mobile payments.

Roger Sauve

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

“30 years of experience in the transit industry.
Held a variety of positions from Bus driver to, union president – transit manager – Director of Transit and Fleet maintenance
With the position of Director I was also involved with OPTA and CUTA as a board member for both.

For the past 6 years I’ve held the position of CEO for Consat Canada. We have increased our footprint across Canada with the majority of our customers being in Ontario.”

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

As a previous board member of OPTA I have a proven record of bringing people together and working towards a common goal. It has always been my objective to improve the transit knowledge and resources for transit managers and directors. I would like to continue this work by once again being part of the OPTA board.

Sasha Pejcic

Sasha Pejcic, BetterFleet

A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date

“Sasha Pejcic is Managing Partner at BetterFleet. In this role, he is responsible for customer experience, operations, growth, strategy, and performance management. Additionally, Sasha acts as BetterFleet’s Global Bus Lead, lending technical knowledge and expertise to projects across the world.

As a management consultant, Sasha supports fleet operators and other related industries (utilities, equipment suppliers, etc.) with the transition to zero emission vehicles, both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell. Sasha also works with transit agencies to rationalize their services to grow ridership, improve customer satisfaction, and maximize cost efficiencies. Sasha has successfully led a 100+ portfolio of diverse transit projects, including over 45 in the zero-emission bus and vehicle space. Prior to BetterFleet, Sasha held transit leadership positions at consulting companies Stantec and WSP for over 10 years.

A demonstrated leader in transit, Sasha is an ENO alumnus. He has proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) since 2015. In addition, he was appointed to the Zero Emission Bus Task Force for the California Transit Association, and is involved with numerous industry committees of APTA, CUTA, MPTA, NSTA and CTA. He recently authored a chapter on zero emission buses for best-selling book, The Future of Public Transportation. Sasha was named one of Mass Transit’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2018.”

A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.

“I have served as an OPTA board member since 2015. During my tenure, I have been a tireless champion for increasing member value, both for transit agencies and business members. I personally introduced ideas such as the OPTA Live webinar series, creating the OPTA business members committee and offering sponsorship opportunities, as well as suggesting ancillary revenue generation opportunities that OPTA could leverage. All ideas I have offered to the Board have been adopted.

In addition, I have helped plan every OTE conference for the last 8 years as co-chair of the Planning Committee. I serve as the chair of the Business Member Commitee and represent business members on the OPTA ZEB Commitee.

My desire to continue serving the OPTA board is the same today as it was back in 2015 – to give back my professional knowledge and experience to the industry I love.”