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Bhat-Patel chosen as Chair, Sannella as Vice Chair
Oceanside, CA – The North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) Board of Directors (Board) today re-elected Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tempore Priya Bhat-Patel to serve as Board Chair and San Marcos Deputy Mayor Mike Sannella to serve as Vice Chair. Bhat-Patel and Sannella were first elected as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, in 2025. With today’s vote, Bhat-Patel and Sannella will continue in these roles for Calendar Year 2026.
In her role as Board Chair, Bhat-Patel will facilitate meetings of the Board of Directors and set NCTD’s policy agenda for 2026, as well as act as a representative for NCTD at events and on external Boards and Committees.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve another term as Board Chair and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the agency’s priorities,” said NCTD Board Chair Priya Bhat-Patel. “We have important work ahead of us this year and I know with the support of NCTD’s staff and our partners, we will create a positive impact for our communities.”
Bhat-Patel has served on NCTD’s Board since 2019 and held the role of Vice Chair prior to being elected Chair. Mike Sannella will serve as Vice Chair for the second year and hold the position of Chair of the Performance, Administration and Finance Committee.
“I look forward to continuing my role as Vice Chair and focusing on finding efficiencies in our operations and improving the experience for our communities and customers,” said Vice Chair Mike Sannella.
The NCTD Board of Directors is responsible for representing the citizens of North San Diego County in providing strategic and policy-level leadership to ensure that NCTD meets the public transportation needs of the region. The Board is made up of one representative from each incorporated city in the District plus the County Supervisor for the Fifth Supervisorial District. The Fifth District covers unincorporated areas in NCTD’s service area.
