County transportation agency names new boss

STANISLAUS COUNTY -- Carlos Yamzon was chosen Wednesday to lead the Stanislaus Council of Governments after six months as interim executive director of the regional transportation agency.

"Carlos has been doing an excellent job," said Waterford Mayor Charlie Goeken, who is chairman of StanCOG's policy board. "The board felt it was prudent to have more stability and lock in a two-year contract."

Terms of the deal, including pay, have yet to be negotiated.

Yamzon, 57, worked 27 years for the California Department of Transportation and five years as senior planner at StanCOG. He took the helm in a temporary capacity six months ago when former Executive Director Vince Harris took another job.

Vito Chiesa, a county supervisor and StanCOG representative, said of Yamzon, "His communications skills are fantastic."