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, Niagara Transit Commission
Dennis Childs, Simcoe (County of) Transit
Doug Spooner, Waterloo, Region of (Grand River Transit)
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.”
Kelly Paleczny, London Transit Commission
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.
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, Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
Business Nominees
Adam Kennedy, Plan Group
“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.”
Ammar Nawaz, Alectra Energy Solutions
John Pagliaro, Bytemark Canada
“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.”
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.”
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, BetterFleet
“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.”
“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.”
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