Caltrans veteran joins OCTA

Jim Beil, a 22-year transportation veteran from Caltrans, will join the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) as the new executive director of Capital Programs.

Beil, Caltrans deputy district director of Capital Outlay Programs, will begin his new post at OCTA on Aug. 16.

Beil will be responsible for directing the delivery of highway, rail and transit capital projects. This includes high-profile programs such as the M2 Early Action Plan, railroad grade separation projects, Metrolink service expansion, railroad crossing enhancement projects and quiet zones program.

At Caltrans District 12, Beil’s responsibilities include directing Caltrans capital improvement programs in Orange County. He has been the primary contact with federal, state, local and regional agencies for programming and delivery of transportation projects, maintenance projects and railroad grade separations. Beil also has been the Caltrans lead for all state highway construction administration and contract oversight of state highway projects in Orange County.

“Having worked closely with OCTA on multiple projects, I am excited to officially be a part of the agency’s leadership team,” Beil said in a written statement announcing his new position. “I look forward to continuing the delivery of quality transportation solutions for the residents, business people and visitors in Orange County.”

Beil’s position was created within the existing budget and staffing plan through a combination of the agency’s Development and Rail divisions to ensure the successful implementation of OCTA’s capital programs.

Beil, 48, has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and management from Cal Poly Pomona. He is a lifelong resident of Orange where he lives with his wife, Judy, and their two young sons.