Oceanside, CA – North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) is proud to announce that Deputy Chief Operating Officer Mary Dover has been named one of Mass Transit Magazine’s 2026 40 Under 40. This annual recognition honors accomplished professionals for their leadership, innovation and achievement in public transportation.
“NCTD has continued to benefit from the incredible accolades that Mary has accomplished in every department she has worked in. From Government Affairs to Chief of Staff and now in her most recent role overseeing NCTD’s largest department in bus operations, her work will be a template in the organization for decades to come. She represents the very best of who we are, and I am extremely thankful and proud to have her on our staff,” said NCTD CEO, Shawn M. Donaghy.
Dover oversees the agency’s bus operations and vehicle maintenance functions, as well as the Government Affairs and Customer Experience departments. She serves as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and NCTD’s Board of Directors, helping guide and advance the agency’s priorities. In this capacity, Dover ensures the implementation of initiatives to optimize NCTD’s bus operations and improve the employee experience for approximately 450 bus operations and maintenance personnel.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized among the dedicated public transit professionals in Mass Transit’s 40 Under 40 list. I am proud to represent NCTD and our mission to deliver high-quality transit services to better the vibrant communities we serve,” said Dover.
Dover joined NCTD in 2022 and has since been instrumental in working with local, state and federal partners to advocate for funding on current and long-range projects. In 2023, she helped the agency secure a $100 million grant for the San Dieguito Double Track project, which will add 0.9 miles of double track, replace the 110-year-old San Dieguito River Railway Bridge, and construct a special events platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The project, once complete, will improve service reliability for passenger and freight rail and increase capacity on the corridor.
Dover serves as an active member of the American Public Transportation Association and the California Transit Association and is a supporter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), helping to establish the 41st Chapter of COMTO in San Diego as an advisory board member.
To view the article in Mass Transit, please click here.
