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TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

November/December 2000
Heminger To Head MTC

Steve Heminger MTC has named Steve Heminger as the agency's next executive director, effective Jan. 1, 2001. Currently the agency's deputy director, Heminger will replace Lawrence D. Dahms, who is retiring after 23 years as MTC's chief.

In his new position, the 41-year-old Heminger also will steer two subagencies staffed by MTC, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) and the Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways (SAFE). The former oversees the region's seven state-owned toll bridges, while the latter manages the region's network of roadside call boxes and the Freeway Service Patrol, a fleet of congestion-busting tow trucks that assist motorists and keep highways free-flowing.

MTC hired Heminger in October of 1993 to serve as manager of Legislation and Public Affairs. Five years later, in January of 1999, he was elevated to the second-in-command slot. Throughout his tenure with the agency, Heminger also has served as MTC's primary spokesperson.

"In his seven years with MTC, Steve has demonstrated a mastery of transportation issues and a dedication to the regional mission of the agency," said MTC's Dahms. "He has the talent, experience and knowledge necessary to lead the Commission as it tackles the tough transportation problems facing the Bay Area. He will do an excellent job."

Heminger came to MTC from the Bay Area Council, an influential San Francisco-based business group where he served for three years as vice president for transportation issues. Prior to the Council, he directed the district office of state Sen. Quentin L. Kopp, who at the time chaired the state Senate Transportation Committee, and who now serves as a Superior Court judge. Previously, Heminger directed Kopp's office at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and served stints on the staffs of U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Carman and U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his staff positions, Heminger has served on the board of directors of Californians for Better Transportation (1991-2000), the board of directors of RIDES for Bay Area Commuters (1992-95), the San Francisco Parking and Traffic Commission (1992-96), and the Advisory Council of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (1992-94).

A native of Ohio, and currently a resident of San Francisco, Heminger earned a master of arts degree from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor of arts degree from Georgetown University. The executive director oversees a staff of 123 and an annual operating and capital budget that currently amounts to $55 million.
- Brenda Kahn

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