(FRESNO COUNTY, CA) – After a nation-wide recruiting effort, the Fresno County Transportation Authority, (FCTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Leonardo to serve as its new executive director.

“Leonardo is a dedicated transportation and public works leader who knows the Valley well, stated Fresno County Supervisor Mendes, chairman of the FCTA board. “His 35 years of experience and knowledge of our local infrastructure is exactly what the FCTA needs to address the challenges facing our region.”

Leonardo serves as an at-will employee to a nine-member board of directors that includes local elected officials, and he will earn an annual salary of $190,000. Leonardo will carry a myriad of responsibilities to ensure the ongoing success of FCTA. His main responsibility will be carrying out the board’s strategies for implementing the programs and projects funded by the 20-year Measure C Expenditure Plan.

Measure C is Fresno County’s half-cent transportation sales tax with $72.9 million revenue projected in FY 2016-17. Measure C was one of the first “self-help” counties in California and successfully constructed over $1 billion of local infrastructure improvements between 1987-2007 throughout Fresno County and its 15-cities. Notable projects include SR-41, SR-168 and SR-180.

The Measure C extension is projected to collect over $1.2 billion by 2027 in order to contribute to a vibrant economy, assist in cleaning our Valley air, and continue to leverage our local dollars with State and Federal funds to support Fresno County’s growing transportation needs.

Leonardo is a Fresno County resident, Fresno State graduate and is only the third executive director to lead the FCTA. Both Don DeMers and Ron Peterson each led the agency for over a decade before losing their battles with cancer. Leonardo’s full resume is attached for more details regarding his work experience, education and qualifications.