Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) CEO Samuel Johnson has been recognized with the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association’s (IBTTA) 2021 Distinguished Leadership Academy Alum of the Year Award. 
 
The award honors an IBTTA Leadership Academy graduate who has made significant contributions to the transportation/tolling industry in a way that mirrors IBTTA’s “focus on advancing transportation by attracting and developing talent with a keen recognition of the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive leadership and membership.” 
 
Johnson was presented with the award Sunday during IBTTA’s 89th Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Anaheim. IBTTA is the worldwide association representing toll facility owners and operators and the businesses that serve them.  
 
Johnson is the immediate past president of IBTTA, where last year he created an industry internship program and instituted a Task Force on Diversity, Social and Racial Inclusion. Johnson established a formal partnership with the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) to further the efforts of the task force, which works to implement practices and programs that contribute to social justice and expanding recognition for black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). He also championed the expansion of a scholarship program to specifically assist students pursuing studies at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

 “I am humbled and honored to receive this award. It has special meaning for me because I am a proud graduate of the IBTTA Leadership Academy, and I’ve worked throughout my career to champion the contributions and accomplishments of people of all colors, ethnicities, identities and backgrounds. As someone who is a believer and enthusiast of providing mobility solutions, I am grateful to assist others in pursuing the same passion,” Johnson said.

Earlier this year, Johnson was recognized with the Transportation Trailblazer award from COMTO’s Southern California chapter. He also received a humanitarian award from the Women In Tolling Council for his efforts to “build awareness that is tangible, actionable and meaningful.”

An accomplished tolling executive and forward-thinking industry leader with nearly 30 years of public agency experience, Johnson joined TCA in 2015 as Chief Toll Operations Officer and was promoted to CEO in 2020.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Samuel Johnson, please contact Eugene Fields at efields@thetollroads.com.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are two joint powers authorities formed by the California Legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s public toll road system comprised of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.