The California Transit Training Consortium (CTTC) has appointed Mark Hollenbeck as Vice Chair of its Board of Directors, bringing over three decades of transit industry experience to guide workforce development during a period of rapid technological change. Hollenbeck's appointment comes as transit agencies face increasing pressure from zero-emission mandates, emerging technologies, and evolving maintenance requirements that demand new training approaches for both cutting-edge and existing fleet systems.
Hollenbeck currently serves as Manager of Business Development at Complete Coach Works (CCW), where he partners with transit agencies across North America to deliver sustainable fleet solutions. His career spans multiple sectors of the transportation industry, including bus sales at Metrotrans Corporation, two decades in publishing with Bobit Business Media as Associate Publisher for School Bus Fleet and Metro Magazine, and leadership roles promoting electric vehicle technology at Proterra and transit solutions software at WideSense.
The transit industry's transformation creates significant workforce challenges that CTTC addresses through its training programs. As agencies accelerate battery-electric bus adoption and evaluate next-generation systems, effective training becomes essential not only for new zero-emission platforms and supporting infrastructure but also for proven sustainable power-drive solutions currently in operation. CTTC's mission focuses on delivering training that supports advancing technologies while strengthening foundational skills across alternative fuels and lower-emission propulsion strategies.
"Mark's career reflects the breadth of experience and future-focused perspective our industry needs," said CTTC leadership. "As Vice Chair, he will help strengthen collaboration across transit agencies, education, and industry partners." Hollenbeck emphasized the critical importance of training during this transition period, stating, "As the industry accelerates toward zero-emission fleets and increasingly complex systems, training becomes a critical success factor."
Beyond technical training for current transit professionals, CTTC supports the next generation of technicians through the James A. Ditch Education Fund, which awarded $17,250 in scholarships to 12 California students this year alone. This initiative helps reduce educational barriers and strengthens the talent pipeline necessary for maintaining evolving transit fleets. The fund has supported numerous students across California pursuing technical careers aligned with transit maintenance and emerging vehicle technologies.
CTTC's Board of Directors includes representatives from public transit agencies, academia, and private industry partners who guide the consortium's priorities and support expanded access to high-impact training. The organization's work has become increasingly vital as California implements ambitious climate goals requiring transit fleets to transition to zero-emission vehicles, creating demand for technicians skilled in new technologies while maintaining expertise in existing systems. More information about CTTC's programs is available at https://cttc.com.
