Aaron Ochoco

Deputy Director of Administration

Aaron Ochoco was appointed Deputy Director of Administration at Caltrans on May 18, 2020. As Deputy Director, he oversees a broad portfolio of administrative functions that are critical to the department’s statewide operations. These include Human Resources, Labor Relations, Learning and Development, Procurement and Contracts, Facility Operations and Planning, Statewide Security Operations, Risk and Strategic Management, Resource Management for Administration, and Business Services. Under his leadership, the Administration Program provides essential services and strategic consultation to staff across Caltrans Headquarters and all 12 districts.

Aaron’s career in state service spans over 30 years, marked by a deep commitment to training, personnel development, and organizational excellence. He began his journey with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), where he served in various field offices and rose to the position of Training Officer. In 2006, he joined Caltrans District 11 (San Diego) and later became the District Training Manager, laying the groundwork for his future leadership in statewide administrative operations.

In 2013, Aaron completed an acting assignment as Administrative Branch Supervisor in the Headquarters Division of Maintenance, further expanding his expertise in cross-functional management. Throughout his tenure in the Division of Administration, he has held key leadership roles in Labor Relations, Discipline Services, Employee Health and Safety, Workplace Violence Prevention, Driver Certification and Substance Testing, and served as Acting Deputy Director of Administration for District 7.

In 2017, Aaron was promoted to Division Chief of Safety and Management Services, where he led a comprehensive review of Caltrans’ Leadership Program, playing a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of department leaders.

Aaron is known for his collaborative leadership style, customer service mindset, and ability to build strong partnerships across the organization. His vision for the Administration Program centers on strategic talent management, where every employee feels valued, engaged, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to Caltrans’ Mission, Vision, Goals, and Values.