Darren M. Kettle is Chief Executive OƯicer of Metrolink, Southern California’s regionalpassenger rail system serving six counties and a population of nearly 22 million. Sincejoining in 2021, he has spearheaded the agency’s transformation from a traditionalcommuter railroad to a modern regional mobility provider through his vision of MetrolinkReimagined, centered on expanded service and enhanced customer experience. Under hisleadership, Metrolink has delivered numerous award-winning safety and infrastructureinitiatives, including the Union Station Railyard Modernization project, and pioneeringsafety technologies, positioning the agency as a national model for equity, sustainability,and innovation.Darren has dedicated his career to strengthening mobility and building connections acrossSouthern California. For 14 years, he served as Executive Director of the Ventura CountyTransportation Commission, where he oversaw multimodal improvements and forgedstrategic regional partnerships that laid the foundation for critical investments. Hepreviously held senior roles at the San Bernardino Associated Governments and theRiverside County Transportation Commission. On the national level, Darren sits on theBoards of the Commuter Rail Coalition and Mobility 21 and has testified before Congresson the future of passenger rail.