Jerry Estrada
Paul Wellman (file)

Jerry Estrada, a longtime administrator for the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) who has held the Interim General Manager position since July, was officially awarded the permanent post on Tuesday, after a unanimous vote by the district’s board. Estrada has worked for MTD since 1989 and has served as assistant general manager and controller for the past decade. This summer, he took the helm following the retirement of 40-year MTD veteran Sherrie Fisher.

“I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to continue serving the community in which I was raised,” Estrada said in a statement. “I feel this is affirmation of the excellent work performed by all MTD employees and I’m grateful for their support.” Board chair Dave Davis celebrated Estrada’s appointment. “We recognize his commitment and years of service as he has played a pivotal role in helping the agency earn a reputation for transparency and ethical leadership. As such, we feel he is the right person to lead our transit system.”

During his tenure as controller, Estrada helped the district — which runs on a $23 million annual budget and employs 215 people — stave off severe service reductions and layoffs at the height of the recession. He will bring experience in collective bargaining, real property administration, legal matters, and policy issues to his new role, MTD officials said.

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