The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) Board of Directors has appointed Paul Cristina as the agency’s new president and chief executive officer (CEO).
“The DCTA Board appreciates Paul’s collaborative communication and leadership style, and he has gained the trust and confidence of the board over the last six months. We believe that his experience and vision will enable our agency to realize its tremendous potential to deliver value to the residents of Denton County and our region,” said Cesar Molina, chair of the DCTA Board of Directors.
Prior to joining DCTA as deputy CEO in December 2021, Cristina served as director of Public Private Partnerships at BNSF Railway, where he led engagement with public agencies across the railroad’s 23,500-mile rail network on projects that improved safety, mobility and efficiency for the railroad and the traveling public.
Before his tenure at BNSF, he served as a civil engineer officer in the United States Air Force, holding positions of increasing responsibility at Tyndall Air Force Base, Grand Forks Air Force Base and overseas in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After leaving the Air Force, Cristina worked as a civil engineer and planning consultant in Florida and was named a “Top 40 under 40” aviation professional by Airport Business Magazine* in 2012.
Cristina’s appointment follows a nearly six-month nationwide search, from which five candidates were shortlisted, three were interviewed in-person with the board, ultimately selecting Cristina based on his demonstrated aptitude in leading the agency as interim CEO since March 15, 2022.
“Paul has taken the past few months to drive the organization forward, not simply be a caretaker, in his interim role. He has demonstrated leadership, teambuilding and the ability to build board consensus. He has a strong vision for building accountability and efficiency within the agency which maximizes the opportunities for transit for Denton County residents,” said TJ Gilmore, vice chair of the DCTA Board of Directors.
Cristina earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Business Administration from Florida State University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas and resides in Flower Mound with his wife and their three children.
“As a resident of Denton County since 2010, it is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to lead the dedicated men and women of DCTA into the future. The team possesses tremendous expertise and pride in what they do, and I look forward to all we will accomplish to enhance the quality of life for our customers through high quality transportation services,” said Christina.
*Endeavor Business Media owns both Mass Transit and Airport Business magazines.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
