Bhat-Patel chosen as Chair, Sannella as Vice Chair
Oceanside, CA – The North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) Board of Directors (Board) today 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 will serve in these roles for Calendar Year 2025.
In her role as Board Chair, Bhat-Patel will facilitate meetings of the Board of Directors and set NCTD’s policy agenda for 2025, as well as act as a representative for The District at events and on external Boards and Committees.
“I am deeply honored to be elected Board Chair by my colleagues. Together, we will focus on enhancing the customer experience, strengthening regional collaboration, and building stronger connections across our communities,” said NCTD Board Chair Priya Bhat-Patel. “With the support of NCTD’s CEO, staff, and partners, I am committed to driving innovation, improving efficiency, and leading the agency through transformative change—all with the goal of creating a lasting, positive impact for the people we serve.”
Bhat-Patel has served on NCTD’s Board since 2019 and as Vice Chair since 2022. As Vice Chair, she held the position of Chair of the Performance, Administration and Finance Committee, a role she will pass on to the newly elected Vice Chair Mike Sannella.
“The goals of the North County Transit District has been a long standing source of admiration for me, and I am eager to help lead efforts to develop transportation solutions that improve the lives of those living in North County,” 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.
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