StanCOG names interim director after grand jury report led to predecessor’s firing

The Stanislaus Council of Governments has appointed an interim executive director, it announced Tuesday.

Kate Miller, former executive director of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority, fills the position immediately. It has been vacant since former director Rosa De Leon Park was placed on paid leave in late June and was fired Aug. 6 after an investigation by the county’s civil grand jury found what it called excessive rental car use, costing taxpayers more than $100,000, as well as excessive spending on travel expenses, hotels, conferences and personal items.

A StanCOG news release says Miller brings extensive experience in regional transportation planning and a strong reputation for rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

It notes that her appointment “comes at a critical time.” The grand jury report, issued in June, was sharply critical of Park’s management of StanCOG and what it called lavish spending of public funds. It did not include the names of StanCOG staff or local officials who might have stayed in luxury hotels or dined in expensive restaurants at taxpayers’ expense, but further reporting by The Bee using public records revealed more exorbitant spending.

Miller will focus on advancing StanCOG’s transportation initiatives and addressing the grand jury’s recommendations, rebuilding relationships and “restoring public trust through transparent, inclusive leadership,” the news release says.

“Kate Miller’s experience in leading transportation organizations and her demonstrated ability to rebuild trust with community stakeholders make her the ideal choice for this role,” county Supervisor Buck Condit, chair of the StanCOG Policy Board, says in the news release. “As we work to address the issues raised in the Grand Jury report, Kate will play a key role in ensuring that we rebuild relationships with the public, our partners, and local agencies. Her focus on accountability and open dialogue will be critical as we move forward with our mission to improve transportation in Stanislaus County.”

In the announcement, Miller said, “StanCOG faces some unique challenges, and I am committed to working collaboratively with the Policy Board, staff, the local agencies, and community members to address these concerns. Rebuilding trust requires open, honest communication and a commitment to doing the right thing for the region. Together, we will focus on restoring confidence in StanCOG’s work and ensuring that our transportation initiatives are aligned with the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”