CTC announces hires and staff recognition; long-time staffer Juan Guzman to retire

The California Transportation Commission's executive director announced two new permanent hires and two student interns who will assist staff workstreams, and commissioners and staff formally recognized long-time employee Juan Guzman on his retirement.

The executive director said Eric Thronson will fill a legislative-facing position previously held by Mitch Weiss and that Thronson's start date will be adjusted because of ongoing legislative special session responsibilities. The commission also announced the hiring of an office technician, Karen Clavell, and two student interns, Ayman Mabruk and Peyton Remedios, who will assist primarily with the Active Transportation Program application processing workload; staff said the ATP intake produced roughly 617 applications.

Commissioners and staff presented a resolution commending Juan Guzman for his service. Guzman, who staff said has decades of experience on rail and mass transit matters and numerous state programs, made brief remarks thanking colleagues and partners.

Why it matters: Staffing changes affect the commission's capacity to manage legislative affairs, grant programs and routine office operations. The temporary delay of Eric Thronson's start date reflects coordination with the Legislature during the governor's special session.

Ending: The personnel items were presented as part of the executive director's report and were accepted by voice vote. Guzman will leave at the end of the following week and was honored by commissioners and staff.