A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
Adrian Kawun has worked in the transit industry for more than 15 years and is a transit leader within the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). He is currently Oakville Transit’s Director. Adrian and his team are responsible for overseeing the planning, maintenance, and operation of the Oakville Transit system as a network integrating with neighbouring transit agencies and the GO Transit regional system.
Adrian’s foresight and planning is helping Oakville Transit align transit service levels with demand, implement new service delivery options, provide a service that is reliable and appealing to residents, and continuing the process of electrifying the fleet and required facilities.
Adrian enjoys participating with staff at community outreach events to advance knowledge of the transit system. He liaises with employers, educational institutions and other GTHA transit agencies to find transit solutions for all travelers, including cross boundary travel. He’s a strong supporter of promoting transit orientation and education to citizens and community groups across Oakville.
Adrian has worked in the industry as a transit vehicle cleaner, revenue collector, transit scheduler, service planner, Manger of Planning, and is now leading the new era of planning and design of the Oakville Transit network.
He is currently outfitting Oakville Transit for a future that will be delivered by electric vehicles. Electrification projects include the expansion of Oakville Transit’s bus facility, purchasing more battery electric buses, constructing the energy infrastructure required to electrify the battery electric buses, and developing an electrification roadmap for Oakville Transit’s staff and customers.
Adrian is a recipient of the Mass Transit 40 under 40 award which recognizes individuals for their contributions and a job well done. It is a listing of individuals who have shown a capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making an impact in transit. Adrian would like to recognize his team for the collaboration and day-to-day hard work required to provide outstanding customer and transit services.
Adrian holds an Urban and Regional Planning degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and works with post-secondary institutions to bring more young brilliant minds into the transit field.
Serving on the OPTA board would be an honour for Adrian as representing transit agencies and agency partners to move transit forward into the future, together and collaboratively is one of his biggest passions. As a long time transit employee and enthusiast, the relationships and the knowledge Adrian has experienced, would be an asset to the OPTA board with fresh eyes and fresh ideas brought to the table. Adrian’s success in Planning, Operations, Maintenance, and electrification would be used to collaborate with others to find new ideas, recommendations, and advocating for the transit services we all are a part of. Adrians enthusiasm for moving transit forward is addictive and empowering, and he always loves to share best practices and help anyone who may require it. Adrians passion for transit would encourage the board to work with all partners to enrich OPTA’s ability to reach more partners and agencies, along with advocating for more support for transit services, nationally and provincially.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
I never imagined a career in transit until I started this journey, now I can’t imagine serving in an industry that is more impactful than transit. With nearly 15 years of diverse, progressive transit experience, my transit career has spanned two countries. I bring over a decade of management-level transit experience to the table. Seeing transit from the business, operations, and leadership sides has given me a great perspective of just how impactful transit can be, but also how fragile the industry is due to staffing challenges, geopolitical issues, and funding.
Serving on the Board of OPTA would give me the opportunity to bring forward the voices of transit agencies, both big and small, urban and rural, and advocate for the future of them all.
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. Carla was appointed as the inaugural General Manager for the newly amalgamated Niagara Transit Commission in 2022. She was elected in 2021 to the Board of Directors for the Ontario Public Transit Association.
I 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, our OPTA membership is integral for Niagara Transit to be able to tap into our transit partners for guidance, best practice and support to do the very best for our riders and teams. That is what transit folks are and it 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. I’d like OPTA and my organization to be a part of the growing vision that will propel transit forward in the province.
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 the Region of Waterloo as the Acting Commissioner of Transportation (Transit, Rapid Transit and Transportation files), and my home position is as the Director of Transit Services for Grand River Transit. I’ve previously worked 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 fare & service integration, to Stations Planning – and enjoyed each and every one. I’ve also been a board member with OPTA for the last 3 years, so I understand the opportunity and commitment ahead, and am excited to continue to support OPTA at this critical time for Transit in our province.
OPTA provides so many great services to it’s members, from advocacy, engagement, learning/training, and most importantly the amazing network of professionals. I’ve seen firsthand the impact OPTA has made with major initiatives like the Safe Restart Funding, and other quick hitting initiatives like all-member surveys. I’ve also seen the on-going efforts on connectivity (fitting for a transit association!) in connecting large, medium and small systems, with each other and with the private sector – there is lots to learn in transit, and OPTA is the right place to start and end. With all of the above, it is with great excitement that I offer my time and efforts to the OPTA board, and to the broader membership – and a commitment to working across our industry to ensure that the transit is healthy – so that we can keep getting people where they need to go! Thank you for considering my application.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
I have been in Public Transit since 1988 and started with Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) whom my father worked for 42 years as a bus driver, inspector, supervisor. I worked in the Maintenance Department for over 10-years and worked on trollies, diesel’s, did cleaning, fueling, NGV Compressor Chief Operator, oil & lubrication, tires, trolley graphite shoes, body shop helper, mechanic helper, heavy duty mechanic helper, Transit Maintenance Foreman, Transit Maintenance Supervisor etc. McMaster University Labour Relations Studies Guelph Transit as Road Supervisor, Supervisor Planning & Scheduling, Transit Operations Manager, Acting General Manager for 13 years. In Guelph, we started with the NextBus Real Time Demand system using cellphones very early on which was on my project portfolio. We transitioned to using Schedule Master scheduling system through David Reed for which was also in my portfolio. Learned to use Trapeze Operations and Scheduling system in my role as Supervisor of Scheduling & Planning as we transitioned into Trapeze. At that same time Guelph needed me to step into Transit Operations position and Acting General Manager position as Randall French got sick. I covered 4 days per week while Rudy Steel worked 3 days per week showing me the ropes and additionally mentoring me. Implemented the Transit Growth Strategy and new transit terminal Guelph Central Station under my portfolio as we transitioned new General Managers (7 in 10 years) decided to try Timmins Transit General Manager for 3 years and few years consulting.
Overall have approximately 29 years in the transit industry.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
Haley D’Angelo is a dedicated and versatile Human Resources professional with extensive experience in various HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, labor relations, performance management, organizational development, and disability management. Haley has a proven ability to develop and implement HR strategies that align with organizational goals and drive business success. Currently serving as a Human Resources Business Partner at Ontario Northland, Haley partners with leadership to build effective HR practices and policies, manages complex employee relations issues, and supports diversity initiatives. Additionally, Haley is a Human Resources Professor at Canadore College and Cambrian College, where they develop course content, mentor students, and conduct research on contemporary HR issues. Haley’s background also includes roles as a Labour Relations Specialist at North Bay Regional Health Centre and a Human Resources Analyst at Health Sciences North, where they managed performance issues, collective bargaining, and recruitment processes. Haley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Labour Studies from Laurentian University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Regina
Serving on the OPTA board as a Human Resources professional presents a unique opportunity to leverage my expertise in fostering a positive organizational culture and driving strategic initiatives. By contributing my knowledge in talent management, employee engagement, Labour and Employee relations and organizational development, I can help shape policies and practices that enhance the overall effectiveness and well-being of the organization. Additionally, being part of the board allows me to collaborate with diverse professionals, gain new perspectives, and further develop my leadership skills, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of OPTA.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
I have 40 years of experience in transit operations. I have no experience in participating on a committee like this but hey, its never to late to start!
I am interested mainly for a few reasons reasons: 1) I am passionate about transit and advocate and promote transit wherever I can. 2) I have 40 years of experience, training and knowledge that I would like to share in a meaningful way. 3) I admire the work and difference the OPTA Board makes.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
Kelly has been with the London Transit Commission for the past 27 years, and has held the role of General Manager since 2015. In addition to her role at LTC, Kelly continues to be involved with advocacy at both the Provincial and Federal levels through her work on the OPTA and CUTA boards. Kelly also held the role of Chair of CUTA for the previous 2 years.
In order for industry associations like OPTA to function in the best interest of its’s members, members must be willing to participate. This includes committee work as well as serving on the board.
I believe that my experience on both OPTA and CUTA boards over the past number of years will continue to provide valuable insight into board decisions going forward.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
Kyla Marrin is the Manager of Government Relations and Policy in the Office of the CEO at the TTC for approximately 4 years and plays a key role in advancing the interest of the TTC and public transit with other orders of government. This includes supporting CUTA lobby day and affiliated activities and OPTA’s recent Queen’s Park lobby day. Kyla’s team manages TTC’s intergovernmental funding grants and agreements and supports advocacy efforts for securing new streams of funding for transit. Kyla’s also responsible for supporting the TTC and City of Toronto agency relationship and developing strategies to implement CEO and Board priorities.
Prior to the TTC, Kyla worked at the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure on policy and intergovernmental arrangements between Ontario and Canada, including negotiations on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Kyla started her career at Infrastructure Canada involved with program operations and grant funding, including CCBF program (formerly federal gas tax program).
The opportunity to sit on the OPTA Board, would promote strengthened knowledge sharing and collaboration, and help shape intergovernmental strategies that support public transit. Would also strengthen alignment between TTC approaches to advocacy with peers in the industry.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
A graduate of the TMU (Ryerson) School of Urban and Regional Planning program, Michael is a Supervisor of Service Design with Durham Region Transit, and has experience planning transit services in both Canada and the United States.
His role at Durham Region Transit has allowed Michael to plan transit services in both rural and urban settings, as well as in existing and new growth communities.
To date, Michael has worked on bus network redesigns, planning On Demand services, Five-Year and Rural Transit Service Strategies, a Covid Recovery Plan, development and road design reviews, and time transfer bus networks.
Prior to his work at Durham Region Transit, Michael worked for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority in Cleveland, Ohio as a transit planner, and in customer service roles at GO Transit in Toronto.
I am interested in the position, as I feel it would:
I would like to serve on the OPTA Board for the following reasons:
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
More than 32 years with the Department of National Defence, managing fleets and arranging transportation of employees all around the world. Managed fleets with the Correctional Services of Canada for two years and now General Manager of Saugeen Mobility, a non-profit paratransit corporation that provides transportation to individuals with cognitive or physical challenges.
I have an interest in ensuring that the goals and objectives of OPTA are met in order to facilitate the growing need for transit all across Ontario. As a transit member, I have the experience to be a Director from my experience with transit and with non-profit Boards of Directors.
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
Ahmed is a Professional Engineer with a background in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration specializing in sustainable innovation. He brings extensive experience in fleet electrification, transit operations, and maintenance/reliability engineering. Ahmed also holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography, and a Mechanical Engineering Technologist diploma, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on planning for electrification projects, designing and constructing the infrastructure, and systems integration.
Prior to joining Jacobs, Ahmed spent 7.5 years at BC Transit, where he led operational integration of battery electric buses, developed electrification strategies, supported infrastructure and depot designs, and advanced the adoption of charge management and depot management systems.
As a Program Manager on the Electrification Program at BC Transit, and as Program Manager Transit – Zero Emission Lead at Jacobs, Ahmed has committed his career to advancing the decarbonization of transit systems. Ahmed is a fervent advocate of public transit and is dedicated to continue raising awareness of the importance of transit and its link to the health and happiness of cities across Canada. As populations in Ontario continue to grow, as ridership increases, and as public sentiment for climate action regresses, it is now evident that more needs to be done to advance both environmental stewardship and vastly expanding urban mobility through nascent technologies such as electrified buses and BRT systems.
Ahmed brings the following to the OPTA Board:
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
AECOM – VP Govt Relations + Transit Market Sector Leader
October 2022 – Present
As Vice President and Transit Market Sector Leader for AECOM in Canada, Kirsten is responsible for leading growth in the transit sector across the country. Kirsten is an experienced transit executive with extensive experience in operations, customer experience and resource management. She provides advisory services to clients on issues of transit planning, customer service, operations and maintenance and the operational readiness for new transit services. Kirsten brings the owner and operator perspective to large capital projects, fleet and facility transformation, operations and maintenance programs and asset management.
Toronto Transit Commission – Deputy CEO
November 2018 – October 2022
Executive leadership and development of strategic priorities and supporting work plan for operations and service delivery across all modes: subway, streetcar, LRT, bus and Wheel-Trans (specialized transit).
• Executive sponsor on priority capital projects including implementation of Automatic Train Control (ATC), subway expansion, and LRT and capacity improvement programs. Member of tripartite sponsor tables with Metrolinx and City of Toronto for transit expansion.
• Provided leadership and strategic direction to Transit Expansion Operations team which provided operations and maintenance input to the Provincial Subway Program.
• Executive lead to operationalize Eglinton Line 5 (Crosstown) and Finch Line 6 LRT including service plans, stations and operator hiring plans, train-the-trainer and operator training and incident response planning.
• Drove operational improvements through collaboration with operations executive team of Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Infrastructure and Engineering and Chief of Vehicles including reduction in delay minutes, incident management, preventative maintenance planning, attendance, and safety compliance.
• Worked jointly with the Chief Financial Officer, developed and delivered the 2022 TTC operating budget, 10 year capital plan and update to Capital Investment Plan 2022-2036.
Toronto Transit Commission – Chief Customer Officer
June 2017 – November 2018
Executive lead to deploy the PRESTO fare card system which included brown-field installation of fare gates and fare vending machines throughout the subway stations. Installation of farecard readers on all vehicles. Development with PRESTO for a bespoke solution for Wheel-Trans (specialized transit). With the implementation of innovation and new technology, developed and implemented a new fare policy including the TTC / GO co-fare, two-hour transfer and University pass.
• The Corporate Plan for 2018 to 2022 was developed by the Customer team with input form hundreds of stakeholders, including the Board, customers, employees, partners at the City of Toronto and regional transit systems. The plan introduced five critical paths to advance the vision and mission. The actions in the plan were designed to be ambitious but actionable with each having an owner and executive sponsor.
• Executive lead for TTC for the King Street streetcar improvements. In 2017, the TTC launched the King Street Pilot in collaboration with the City of Toronto to improve transit service on one the City of Toronto’s busiest transit routes, the King streetcar. The transit corridor improvements between Jarvis Street and Bathurst Street discouraged private vehicle traffic by reducing through traffic at intersections. The significant reduction in congestion significantly improved reliability, travel times and ridership. Customers had predictable and improved journeys with shorter travel times. Weekday ridership increased 17% during the pilot period. The City of Toronto and TTC made the pilot permanent in 2019.
Toronto Transit Commission – Deputy Chief Service Officer
August 2016 – June 2017
• Delivered daily service for bus, streetcar, Wheel-Trans and stations. Worked with operations management team and service planning leaders to improve schedules to meet customer demand and increase on-time performance. New, transparent on-time performance measures implemented for customers and stakeholder.
• Provided strategic leadership to the Stations team to implement significant operational changes in stations including implementation of customer service agents. Similarly, with the Wheel-Trans team, implemented new business and operations processes and technology for inter-modal trip planning for Wheel-Trans customers.
• Implemented road safety plan, known as the Safe Service Action Plan, to drive down risk of bus collisions and pedestrian fatalities. The plan involved a review of the operating culture, training and supervision, route management, use of warning and detection technologies, communications and incident management. The collaborative efforts of multiple departments resulted in marked decrease in fatalities due to collisions with no preventable fatalities in the first two years of the plan. There was a fundamental shift in culture and operations towards collision prevention.
• The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) was a six station, 8.6 km extension of Line 1 from Sheppard West station to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre which opened in 2017. Kirsten led the operations team to plan and implement new bus service and stations management for the new line.
Toronto Transit Commission – Roles in Human Resources, Operations and Wheel Trans – 2000 – 2010, 2013 – 2022 (Executive roles outlined above)
Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS), Toronto Chapter – Past President, Member of Board of Directors
Future of Infrastructure Group, Co-Chair
CUTA, Board Member
Lawyer. Member in good standing of the Ontario Law Society. Called to Ontario Bar in 1996.
A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.
I am passionate about transit and its ability to build and connect communities. I bring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the transit agencies and the transit industry – particularly around ridership, funding, state of good repair, growth and expansion.
I’ve been at the executive table at the TTC solving these big issues and advocating to City Hall for support. I’ve seen the incredibly impact of small investments like the King St Streetcar right of way, the game-changing impacts of significant subway expansion and the power of well-planned service. At the end of the day, it’s all about the customer and providing safe and reliable service.
It would be a great privilege to help transit advance in our province. With OPTA’s leadership, we have made great gains. I’d like to be part of the next Board to contribute to the advocacy and government relations strategy and to be part of the heavy lifting though committee work and delivering the tactics to make it happen. I bring the passion, insight and commitment to OPTA’s success – which is all of our success!
Thank you for your consideration.
Kirsten Watson
A brief summary of Nominee’s professional experience to date
My transit career has spanned over 20 years in various roles. I started my transit career at Infrastructure Ontario working on mega transit infrastructure projects. From there, I transitioned into consulting roles both at WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff and Stantec. At those companies, I started and led management consulting practices, specifically for transit. In addition, at Stantec I was Global Bus Lead, and worked on transit projects all over the world across all functions for transit. Three and a half years ago, as Managing Partner of North America, I joined BetterFleet, a software and consulting company that is solely focused on the transition to electric buses and vehicles. While growing my professional career, I have had the pleasure to serve on the OPTA board since 2015 and have served on countless committees at other associations including the California Transit Association’s zero emission bus committee (as a founding member) since 2018.
A brief description of Nominee’s interest in the position, and why you would like to serve on the OPTA Board.
Since joining the OPTA board in 2015, my desire has been to ‘level-up’ our association, providing more value to both transit agency and business members.
Currently, I am serving on the Executive Committee of the board, as Treasurer for OPTA. While managing the finances of our association, I have had a focus on deriving new revenue sources for the OPTA to keep member fees from increasing. Over the years, I have been a tireless champion of many initiatives that have been successfully implemented (OPTA Live is an example). My recent successes include championing and supporting the hiring our first co-op student, establishing a process to have formal business-member sponsored dinners and gatherings at our regional meetings, and opening up opportunities for business members to sponsor OPTA. Lately, I have been working with the OPTA CEO on implementing a program for business members to develop and share educational content with transit agency members.
In summary, I feel that I have much more value to offer OPTA and kindly ask for your support. My desire today to continue serving the OPTA board is as sincere today as it was on day one – to give back to the industry I love!