RELEASE DATE:         Monday, September 13, 2021

CONTACT:                 Theresa Wright

PHONE:                      831-775-4411

E-MAIL:                      theresa@tamcmonterey.org

MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency Board of Directors has announced that Debbie Hale,  the Agency’s Executive Director will retire on October 8, 2021.  

As a public policy graduate of UC Berkeley and Princeton University, Ms. Hale has specialized in project management, grant funding, public involvement, and collaborative decision-making. She has worked  for the Transportation Agency since 2001 and became its Executive Director in 2006.

Under her leadership, TAMC has ensured timely and cost-efficient delivery of quality multimodal transportation projects throughout Monterey County. During her tenure, the agency has assisted in the delivery of over $400 million in regional transportation projects that have dramatically changed the landscape of Monterey County to make travel safer and more convenient for visitors, residents and businesses in Monterey County.

Her top career achievement and a game-changer for the agency was winning 68% voter approval of the countywide Measure X Transportation Safety and Investment Plan in 2016, which will leverage matching monies to deliver a $1.5 billion integrated program of projects.

As Executive Director, Ms. Hale reports to a 17-member Board of Directors composed of mayors or city council members from each of the twelve cities and all five county supervisors.  She has managed an annual operating budget of approximately $3.5 million and a direct program budget of over $20 million. 

In addition to being TAMC’s executive director, Ms. Hale has served for 6 years each on the American Public Works Association National Transportation and Government Affairs committees and is currently the Delegate for the  Monterey Bay Chapter.  In 2016, the American Public Works Association honored her as Professional Transportation Manager of the Year.  She has also been active in the SF Bay Chapter of the Women in Transportation Seminar, and on behalf of TAMC, accepted the “Agency of The Year” award in 2017 from the chapter.

Debbie is an 11-year member of the Salinas Steinbeck Rotary Club and is currently the District Governor Nominee for Rotary District 5230, which covers Monterey, Fresno, Tulare and Kings counties.  Her Rotary work includes securing global grants for projects in El Salvador, Honduras, and Salinas.  She also serves on the board of trustees for the highly acclaimed York School in Monterey.

When asked to reflect upon her retirement, Ms. Hale said, “It’s great to be able to leave with a strong set of accomplishments and a top-notch team in place.  I’m proud of our collaboration with community leaders to plan, fund and deliver a multi-million-dollar program of regional transportation improvements over the past two decades.  More importantly, I’m proud of the dedicated team of individuals at TAMC who make our projects and programs happen.  Together with the active engagement of our Board of Directors, this team will continue to make our transportation system safer and more effective under the capable leadership of our new Executive Director Todd Muck.  While I’m sad to leave behind this fantastic group of people, I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life in which I will continue to serve the community through my work with the Steinbeck Rotary Club and Rotary International.”

Mr. Muck, TAMC’s Deputy Director, was hired by the Board of Directors to replace Ms. Hale, after successfully competing in a national search conducted by an independent recruitment firm. He will lead the agency as its new Executive Director effective September 25, during  the transition period with Ms. Hale.  

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“The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is responsible for investing in regional transportation projects for Monterey County residents, businesses and visitors.  The mission of TAMC is to develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that enhances mobility, safety, access, environment quality and economic activities in Monterey County. For more information visit www.tamcmonterey.org or call 831.775.0903.”