The SJRRC Board has initiated the executive recruitment process and will share updates in the coming months. The individual hired for this role, SJRRC says, will continue in Mortensen’s footsteps, overseeing critical expansions as part of the Valley Rail program, including new rail services, station developments, and infrastructure upgrades that will significantly enhance connectivity between Sacramento, the Bay Area, and the San Joaquin Valley.
Under Mortensen’s leadership, the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) has grown from a modest operation into a vital commuter rail system connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area, SJRRC noted. In her dual roles as the founding Executive Director of SJRRC and the agency it manages, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), Mortensen has been “instrumental in expanding rail mobility, securing major investments, and advancing a rider-focused vision for public transportation across the region.”
In a public statement, Mortensen said:
“After over 27 years of service, I have shared with the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Boards my intent to step down as Executive Director, with my final day planned for August 31, 2025.
“What began as a small, passionate team operating out of rented space at the Stockton Airport has grown into a dynamic organization with state-of-the-art facilities, a dedicated staff, and a bold vision for the future of rail in Northern California. It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside so many exceptional people—staff, board members, and community partners—whose collective commitment has driven our success.
“I know this transition comes at a pivotal moment in the agency’s history, as we are preparing to deliver a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of transformative transportation projects across the region. Recognizing the scale and complexity of what lies ahead, I’ve recommended to the Boards that the next phase of leadership should bring experience in large-scale capital program execution. I will remain actively engaged in supporting the recruitment process and ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.
“A special Commission meeting was held on April 22nd that included a formal agenda item to initiate this process. In the months ahead, I will continue to work closely with both boards and staff to transfer institutional knowledge and help position the agency for continued excellence.
I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me over the years and proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Thank you to our partners and stakeholders for your ongoing support. The future of passenger rail in our region is bright—and I look forward to cheering on the next chapter.”
