FTA Region 9 Regional Administrator

Ray Tellis was appointed FTA’s Region 9 Administrator in February 2019. Region 9 supports public transportation in four states: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada; and the territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, altogether representing nearly 165 grantees. He provides executive direction to a professional staff of up to 42 individuals responsible for environmental reviews, grant development, program and project management and financial management functions. 

Ray has over 25 years of experience in the public transportation industry and previously served as the Director of FTA’s Los Angeles Office. In his new capacity, he oversees the delivery of a $25 billion FTA program. Throughout his tenure, Ray has worked closely with officials at transit agencies, state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, and other FTA stakeholders.

Prior to joining FTA, Ray worked for a private freight railroad and the Illinois Department of Transportation. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), as well as a Master’s in Public Works from IIT.