Deputy Chief Executive Officer

James Kenan

Jim Kenan has over 35 years of public service including 30 years with the Orange County Transportation Authority.

Prior to serving as OCTA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jim Kenan was OCTA’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration. In this capacity, Jim directed and managed OCTA’s financial and administrative services, treasury/public finance, information technology services, and contracting activities for the OCTA.Jim also had the responsibility for the management of the 91 Express Lanes Toll Road.Jim supervised a 150-person division responsible for administrating internal operations policies as well as financial performance, growth, and oversight duties within the OCTA’s $1 billion operating and capital budget.Since 1990, he has coordinated the issuance of over $2.5 billion in taxable and tax-exempt securities. Jim also served as the chief negotiator in the acquisition of the 91 Express Lanes which is considered to be the most successful toll road in the country.

Prior to joining OCTA in 1979, Jim headed internal audits for the Orange County Auditor-Controller’s office.Jim was a key member of the transition team that successfully brought about the consolidation of seven government entities including the Orange County Transportation Commission and the Orange County Transit District in June 1991.This consolidation has resulted in a cumulative savings of more than $200 million to Orange County taxpayers.

Jim earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Fullerton.He is a Certified Government Financial Manager, a member of the American Society of Public Administrators, Municipal Treasurer’s Association, the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and the Government Finance Officer Association.