Pictured left to right: Lillian Yan (HTNB), Darren Kettle (Metrolink), Sharon Gookin (LA Metro) and George Kivork (Joby Aviation).
On Thursday, Aug. 8, CEO Darren Kettle participated in the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of L.A. Business event hosted by California State University, Dominguez Hills. Darren joined HTNB Vice President – West Division Delivery Officer Lillian Yan, LA Metro Deputy CEO Sharon Gookin and Joby Aviation Head of U.S. State and Local Policy George Kivork on a panel titled "Public and Private Partnerships Shaping Transportation." The panel explored public-private collaboration, shared goals and efforts to expand multi-modal transportation throughout Los Angeles.
During the panel, Darren highlighted ongoing and planned capital development projects through Metrolink’s SCORE program that are helping us prepare for numerous high-profile global events – and millions of visitors – coming to Southern California in the next several years, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games. He emphasized how these initiatives are creating longterm value for communities across the region, which will benefit from enhanced urban mobility and better infrastructure.
He also discussed the critical role of public-private partnerships in planning and delivering sustainable transportation solutions, which are vital for our region’s environmental health and future prosperity. Darren shared how organizations like Metrolink are adapting to meet sustainability goals and outlined some of the challenges we face in doing so. Additionally, he provided insights into the interconnectivity of various transit systems and their impact on regional mobility. His remarks underscored the importance of integrating public transportation options with existing infrastructure to ensure seamless travel for residents and visitors alike.