Foothill Transit names LaShawn King Gillespie its next deputy CEO

Foothill Transit has named LaShawn King Gillespie its next deputy chief executive officer. Gillespie will begin her tenure April 28 following the retirement of current deputy chief executive officer Kevin Parks McDonald after a 23-year career at Foothill Transit.

Gillespie has been part of the Foothill Transit team for 17 years and currently serves as the agency’s director of operations and customer service. Gillespie brings a broad and highly valuable skillset to this new position, having previously served as Foothill Transit’s director of procurement (2006) and director of planning (2008) before leading the customer service and operations team (2012).

During her tenure, Gillespie has been a crucial member of many of the agency’s landmark initiatives, including the launch of Foothill Transit’s zero emissions bus program in 2010, the agency’s park and ride COVID-19 vaccine clinic in 2021 and the establishment of the nation’s largest hydrogen fuel cell fleet.

When asked what projects or campaigns resonated with her the most during her career, Gillespie responded that the miracle was in the day-to-day delivery of service.

“We can’t discount the unglamourous parts of our work because it’s that daily attention to detail that keeps the community connected,” Gillespie said. “I am proud and honored to continue my journey with this incredible team. I’m eager to learn more and to strive to add value as we move forward into this decade.”

“LaShawn’s steady leadership and dedication to our customers ensures the agency stays in good hands as Kevin Parks McDonald retires,” said Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes. “I’m grateful to LaShawn for stepping up into this role, and I’m eager and excited to expand our already strong partnership as we work together to steer the ship of Foothill Transit.”