The City of Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus (BBB) recently announced the addition of three new hires, and one promotion from within the public transportation agency. Collectively, their expertise will play a vital role in equipping Big Blue Bus to meet the rapidly changing mobility demands of the Southern California transit landscape to provide greater connectivity and access to numerous transportation modes in a safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable manner.
Recently joined to Big Blue Bus are Eric O’Connor, Liseth Guizar, and Robert McCall, in the position of chief administrative officer, safety and training manager, and transit community engagement coordinator, respectively. Jennie Campos has been promoted to transit community engagement officer.
Serving most recently as director of project management and finance for the Exposition Construction Authority, O’Connor helped successfully deliver the $2.5 billion light-rail project on time and under budget. Bringing more than 20 years of finance and project management experience to Big Blue Bus, he will be responsible for financial operations, grant management, budgeting, payroll, procurement, and administrative functions. O’Connor holds a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and an Accounting degree from California State University, Northridge. He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of California.
Guizar has over 11 years of public transit experience in safety, training and security, as well as significant private sector experience in risk management. For the last 3 years, she has served as Safety, Security and Risk Manager for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD). At Big Blue Bus, Guizar will chiefly be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all components related to the agency’s Safety Program Plan, which includes safety and security training for all employees. Guizar has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy University.
With expertise in marketing strategy, project management, social media, web analytics, and copywriting, McCall will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of large-scale community engagement campaigns and objectives, including oversight of marketing materials intended to increase ridership and support of Big Blue Bus services. Prior to joining Big Blue Bus, he served in the private sector as both a marketing manager and marketing consultant. McCall holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts from Central Michigan University, and a Master’s degree in Communication Management, from the University of Southern California.
Previously serving as transit community engagement coordinator, Campos took the lead in recommending and implementing various modes and media for Big Blue Bus to expand its communication reach, thereby, strengthening the agency’s brand recognition across the region. In her new position, Campos will be responsible for developing, organizing, directing, and evaluating a comprehensive program to inform the community and public at large of the direction, objectives, and activities of Big Blue Bus. Prior to joining Big Blue Bus, she worked at Orange County Transportation Authority, where she served as a marketing specialist. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Campos earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Global Studies, and Master’s degree in Political Science from UC Riverside.
