Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission
January 15, 2026 – Krauthamer & Associates has placed Chris Orlando as the new CEO of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) in Stockton, CA. “We are excited to welcome Chris Orlando as SJRRC’s next CEO,” said SJRRC chair Lisa Craig-Hensley. “Chris brings an exceptional blend of executive leadership, public policy experience, transportation expertise, and strategic vision. His collaborative focused approach to drive major transit initiatives and strengthen regional mobility systems makes him the right leader to guide SJRRC into its next chapter.”
“We also want to express our deep appreciation to David Lipari for his outstanding service as interim executive director,” Ms. Craig-Hensley continued. “His leadership during this transition has been invaluable, and we are grateful that he will continue to play a key role in the agency’s success as deputy executive director. We look forward to working with both Chris and David as we continue building a transformative future for rail and bus in California.”
Mr. Orlando is a highly accomplished executive with more than two decades of leadership experience across public transportation, government, strategic communications, and private-sector business development. He brings a distinguished record of transforming transit systems, guiding complex capital programs, and building collaborative, high-performing organizations.
Mr. Orlando has served in key executive roles within major California transportation agencies, including his most recent position as deputy managing director for the Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency (LOSSAN), which oversees the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, an intercity rail service based in Southern California. He also held extensive leadership roles at the North County Transit District (NCTD), where his responsibilities spanned rail and bus operations, strategic planning, innovative mobility solutions, customer service improvements, government affairs, and capital funding and grant programs.
A seasoned public-sector leader, Mr. Orlando served 12 years on the San Marcos City Council, helping guide regional planning, transportation-oriented development, long-range policy updates, and fiscally responsible governance. His private-sector experience includes co-founding a successful technology company and directing communications and strategic initiatives for national organizations.
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Mr. Orlando steps into the CEO role as SJRRC advances major service enhancements, pursues transformative infrastructure investments, and prepares for the next generation of passenger rail in the Central Valley and beyond. His background in operational excellence, innovation, and strategic growth aligns with the Commission’s ambitious vision for the future.
In addition to his role with SJRRC, Mr. Orlando will also serve as CEO of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA). SJJPA is administered by SJRRC, which provides management support, staffing, and strategic oversight to ensure aligned planning and coordinated delivery of passenger rail and bus services. Under this structure, SJRRC oversees the ACE commuter rail service, while SJJPA is responsible for the Gold Runner intercity service. This shared leadership approach strengthens efficiency, supports unified decision-making, and enhances coordination between the region’s commuter and intercity rail networks.
Next Era of Growth
“I am honored to join the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission as CEO,” said Mr. Orlando. “I want to thank the SJRRC board for their confidence and for the opportunity to serve in this role. SJRRC and SJJPA together oversee a vital network of commuter rail, intercity rail, and connecting bus services, and I’m excited to help advance this integrated system. The agencies have built a strong foundation of service, innovation, and regional collaboration, and I am committed to leading the next era of growth. Together with our board, staff, and partners, we will continue to deliver reliable, forward-looking passenger rail and transit services that connect communities and expand opportunity across the region.”
Krauthamer & Associates specializes in identifying, attracting, and recruiting talent for C-suite, board, and senior roles across industries, such as real estate, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, private equity, the public sector, technology, and more.
Gary Krauthamer, who founded the firm in 1971, has completed more than 1,000 search assignments throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Over the last 30 years, Mr. Krauthamer has worked extensively within and across the public and private sectors. His clients can be found in the aerospace industry, federal government, entrepreneurial organizations, middle-market entities, and large multinational Fortune 100 corporations.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
