Carol Kuester
ALAMEDA,CA
Summary
Results-oriented leader and coalition-builder setting vision and delivering programs for transit, tolling, and multi-modal travel in the San Francisco Bay Area. Urban transportation planner blending policy acumen with operational delivery. Leads staff and contractors in planning, engineering, and customer service delivery for crucial financial programs to the satisfaction of Commissioners, transit agency Boards, and the public. Two decades as part of the innovative executive team at one of the nation's most effective Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Extensive national and international networks in transit, tolling, and ITS.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Metro Trans Commission/Bay Area Toll Authority
06.2014 - 12.2023
- Led staff of 30 to deliver programs supporting more than 10 M customer accounts: FasTrak, the regional and statewide interoperable toll payment system and Clipper, collecting and settling fare payment for two dozen operators
- Directed strategic planning, contracting tactics, budgeting, and operations to support critical financial operations
- Procured and managed long-term contracts with combined value over $500 million
- Served as Clipper Executive Director supporting Board of transit agency General Managers
Principal, Senior, & Associate Program Coordinator
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
01.2000 - 05.2014
- Provided direction and leadership for agency mobility and traveler information/511 programs with dozens of public and private sector stakeholders
- Led, coordinated, and motivated team of professional planners, engineers, web designers, and public communications experts
- Secured support for strategic and budgetary recommendations from MTC Commissioners and other executives and elected officials
Senior Associate
TransTec America Inc
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Established and represented U.S. subsidiary of German transit consultancy, built team through key hires
- Developed proposals and delivered projects for transit operators and local governments
- Remained solutions-oriented in face of complex problems to assist management and overall business direction
Transport Planning Consultant
Hamburg Consult
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Provided transportation technology consulting support to clients in Germany and internationally
Fellow, Program for American Leaders
Robert Bosch Foundation, Bonn
06.1995 - 06.1996
- As one of 15 competitively selected Americans, delivered work for Federal Minister of Transport in Bonn and urban planning executives in City/State of Berlin
- Engaged with top executives in European business and politics, including German Chancellor Helmut Kohl
Education
Executive Program For Women Leaders -
Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Palo Alto, CA2017
Master of Arts - Urban Planning
School of Architecture And Urban Planning, University of California, California
Los Angeles, CA1993
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Science & Environmental Policy
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA06.1989
Skills
- Translates policy objectives into strategic direction for public-facing operational programs
- Contract procurement and strategic management of technology programs
- Operations of transit payment systems, tolling, and multimodal payment strategies
- Board management and communication
Accomplishments
- Chief Meeting Organizer IBTTA Road Usage Charging & Finance Conference, Denver 2022
- Regular facilitator/speaker at ITS World Congresses, served on 2021 Hamburg event committee
- Guest Lecturer, UC Berkeley, “Bay Area Transit Fare Coordination”, Spring 2020
- Frequent facilitator/speaker at ITS California Annual Meetings
- Panel member, TCRP Synthesis; “Multi-Agency Electronic Fare Payment Systems”, 2015
- Author “Providing Traveler Information Services: What is the Appropriate Public Sector Role?”, German Marshall Fund of the US, Urban Paper Series 2012
Affiliations
FHWA Research & Technology Coordinating Committee, Natl. Academy of Sciences; Coro Women in Leadership Program 2020; Board Member, Intelligent Transportation Society of California 2013 – 2019; International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Assoc. Leadership Academy 2013; Urban and Regional Policy Fellow, German Marshall Fund 2011; American Public Transportation Association’s Leadership APTA program 1999 – 2000.
Languages
German
Professional Working
Timeline
Director
Metro Trans Commission/Bay Area Toll Authority
06.2014 - 12.2023
Principal, Senior, & Associate Program Coordinator
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
01.2000 - 05.2014
Senior Associate
TransTec America Inc
01.1997 - 01.2000
Transport Planning Consultant
Hamburg Consult
01.1996 - 01.1997
Fellow, Program for American Leaders
Robert Bosch Foundation, Bonn
06.1995 - 06.1996
Executive Program For Women Leaders -
Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Master of Arts - Urban Planning
School of Architecture And Urban Planning, University of California, California
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Science & Environmental Policy
University of California, Davis
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