The Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) announced the appointment of Kate Miller, former Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority (NVTA), as its Interim Executive Director. Miller will assume the role immediately, bringing her extensive experience in regional transportation planning and her strong reputation for rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Miller’s appointment comes at a critical time, following the release of a recent Grand Jury report that identified areas for improvement within the agency. In her new role, Miller will focus not only on advancing StanCOG’s transportation initiatives but also on addressing the Grand Jury’s recommendations, rebuilding relationships, and restoring public trust through transparent, inclusive leadership.
“Kate Miller’s experience in leading transportation organizations and her demonstrated ability to rebuild trust with community stakeholders make her the ideal choice for this role,” said District 1 Supervisor Buck Condit, Chairperson of the StanCOG Policy Board. “As we work to address the issues raised in the Grand Jury report, Kate will play a key role in ensuring that we rebuild relationships with the public, our partners, and local agencies. Her focus on accountability and open dialogue will be critical as we move forward with our mission to improve transportation in Stanislaus County.”
Miller brings over 25 years of experience in transportation planning and management. During her tenure as Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority, she spearheaded a range of transportation initiatives, including regional transit improvements, multimodal transportation options, and efforts to integrate sustainability into transportation planning. Miller has also been recognized for her ability to foster collaboration and transparency in complex public-sector environments. As Executive Director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority, she led efforts to successfully engage stakeholders, build consensus, and deliver critical transportation projects. Under her leadership, NVTA gained a reputation for strong community outreach and responsiveness, which Miller plans to replicate at StanCOG.
“I am excited to join StanCOG at this pivotal time,” said Miller. “StanCOG faces some unique challenges, and I am committed to working collaboratively with the Policy Board, staff, the local agencies, and community members to address these concerns. Rebuilding trust requires open, honest communication and a commitment to doing the right thing for the region. Together, we will focus on restoring confidence in StanCOG’s work and ensuring that our transportation initiatives are aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
As Interim Executive Director, Miller will oversee the agency’s daily operations while prioritizing relationship-building efforts with key stakeholders, including local elected officials, agencies, business leaders, and the public. She will also guide the development and implementation of StanCOG’s transportation projects, including the region’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. Miller’s appointment follows the departure of the previous Executive Director and will provide StanCOG with strong leadership during the transition while the agency conducts a search for a permanent Executive Director.
StanCOG remains committed to its mission of enhancing transportation in the Stanislaus region and will continue to work with local governments, regional partners, and the public to build a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation system for all residents.
The Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) serves as the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the state-designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA), and the Local Transportation Authority (LTA) for the Stanislaus region. Established in 1971 through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), StanCOG is a council of governments representing the County of Stanislaus and the cities of Ceres, Hughson, Modesto, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, Turlock, and Waterford. StanCOG provides a collaborative forum for local mayors, city council members, county supervisors, and the public to plan and fund regional transportation improvements.
