Executive Staff

Mark Tollefson was appointed Undersecretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2022. As Undersecretary, Mark advises the Secretary on CalSTA issues, programs and departments, and oversees personnel, fiscal and administrative functions, and planning.

N’guessan Affi joined CalSTA as Freight Policy Manager in July 2024.

Christine Casey was appointed Deputy Secretary of Freight Policy at CalSTA by Governor Newsom in February 2024.

Stephanie Dougherty joined the CalSTA team in March 2016.  She previously worked at the California Department of Motor Vehicles since 2008, where she most recently served as the Chief of Enterprise Planning and Performance.

Chad Edison was reappointed Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit at CalSTA in September of 2019, where he served as Deputy Secretary for Transportation since 2014. Edison served as Transportation Industry Analyst at the Federal Railroad Administration from 2010 to 2014.

Kimberly Erickson was appointed Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary for Communications at CalSTA in August 2024.  

Alejandro Espinoza was appointed Deputy Secretary for Legislation by Governor Newsom in December, 2019. 

In November 2019, Giles Giovinazzi started as Senior Advisor to CalSTA with over 20 years of transportation policy, legislative and regulatory experience.   

Marcie Kahbody is the Deputy Secretary of Technology, Agency Information Officer for CalSTA as well as the Chief Information Officer for Caltrans.

Karl Kopper is the Agency Information Security Officer (AISO) for the California State Transportation Agency.

Tamie McGowen was appointed Deputy Secretary for Communications at CalSTA by Governor Newsom in February 2023. 

Darwin Moosavi was appointed Deputy Secretary for Environmental Policy and Housing Coordination at CalSTA in August of 2019 by Governor Newsom. 

Carlos Quant joined CalSTA as the Deputy Secretary for Budget and Administration in October 2020.  

Cris Rojas-Appleton joined CalSTA as Deputy Secretary for Administration and Audits (retired annuitant) in July 2024. 

Alana Sanchez joined CalSTA as International Transportation Policy Manager in July 2024.  

Susan Sommercamp was appointed Special Assistant to the CalSTA Secretary by Governor Newsom in September 2023.   

 

  

Bret Ladine was appointed General Counsel in February 2022.  

Ann Salisbury joined CalSTA as the Deputy General Counsel in November 2021.