Three employees representing coach operations, maintenance and administration are recognized for excellence during the 2025 calendar year

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority has announced its Employees of the Year, recognizing three exceptional individuals whose dedication and performance throughout the last year have helped OCTA continue to provide safe, reliable and innovative transportation services throughout Orange County.

Each year, OCTA honors outstanding employees from three areas of the agency - coach operators, maintenance staff and administrative personnel - who exemplify the agency's core values and commitment to organizational excellence.

The Employees of the Year, recognized at today's Board of Directors meeting are:

• Cynthia Guardado, OCTA's Coach Operator of the Year
• Chris Pettit, OCTA's Maintenance Employee of the Year
• Maria Brennan, OCTA's Administrative Employee of the Year

"These employees represent the very best of OCTA and the people who make our transportation system work every day," said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. "Through their dedication, professionalism and commitment to safety and service, they have a direct and lasting impact on our riders, our colleagues and the communities we serve. I am proud to recognize their outstanding contributions."

The Honorees

Cynthia Guardado, Coach Operator of the Year, began her career with OCTA in July 1988 and has been a model of professionalism, dedication and integrity for nearly four decades. She recently achieved an extraordinary milestone: 35 years of safe driving, representing thousands of service hours and an unwavering commitment to safety and customer service.

In addition to her exemplary driving record, Guardado serves as a behind-the-wheel instructor, playing a vital role in training and mentoring new coach operators. Through her leadership and guidance, she helps strengthen OCTA's culture of safety and prepare the next generation of operators.

Chris Pettit, Maintenance Employee of the Year, joined the agency in October 2008 and has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, professionalism and reliability. As a Senior Facilities Technician, Pettit plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing essential systems across OCTA facilities, including air conditioning systems, compressed natural gas equipment, bus wash systems, fire doors and lighting.

Pettit's problem-solving skills have delivered measurable value to the organization. Most notably, he successfully repaired two fire doors previously deemed unrepairable by outside contractors, resulting in nearly $20,000 in cost savings to OCTA.

He is widely respected for his collaborative approach, strong customer focus and commitment to teamwork.

Maria Brennan, Administrative Employee of the Year, serves as the agency's Wellness Coordinator and is recognized for her leadership and innovation in strengthening OCTA's wellness program and increasing employee participation across the organization.

Since joining OCTA in January 2023, Brennan has expanded participation in wellness programs through consistent outreach, nearly doubling participation among coach operators and maintenance employees. She has improved access to wellness resources by integrating fitness trainers into new employee orientation, expanding fitness classes and building educational partnerships. Brennan exemplifies OCTA's core values through her integrity, collaboration and can-do spirit, helping advance the agency's commitment to a healthy and engaged workforce.

For more information about OCTA programs and services, visit https://www.octa.net.

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