Who's New

Mike Beauchamp, Caltrans District 6 director

Mike Beauchamp assumed his new role as Caltrans District 8 Director on Feb. 20.

He has worked at Caltrans for more than 35 years, most recently serving as the Deputy District Director of Construction in District 8, based in San Bernardino, for five years.

Mike began his career with Caltrans working for the Office of Structure Construction on projects located throughout Districts 8 and 9. He spent time in District 8 as a Branch Chief for Design and held the position of Office Chief for the Southern California Structure Design Office in Diamond Bar. Mike also completed temporary assignments as Acting District 9 Director in Bishop and Acting District 7 Chief Deputy Director in Los Angeles.

Prior to launching his State career, Mike received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University.

Mike and his wife, Paula, have five children. Outside the office he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and playing golf.

 

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Suzanne Chan, Equal Opportunity Program Manager

Suzanne Chan has been named as the Equal Employment Opportunity Program Manager for Caltrans. She started her new role Feb. 19.

In management for more than 20 years, Suzanne worked as a supervisor with the State at the Staff Services Manager I, II, III and Exempt levels, for a Special District as Vice President of Administration, and for a community-based organization as an executive director.

She joined Caltrans last year as our Organizational Excellence Strategic Goal Program Manager and served as a member on the Government Alliance on Race and Equity Hiring and Promotions Subcommittee.

Prior to coming to Caltrans, Suzanne served in multiple positions at the California Department of Rehabilitation, including as Human Resources Branch Chief and in a Governor's appointment as Operations and Accountability Officer. At the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, her positions included Staff Services Manager in the Office of Labor Relations and the Office of Peace Officer Selection. At the California Employment Development Department, she was Staff Services Manager in the Fiscal Program Division and Research Analyst in the Labor Market Information Division.

Suzanne earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco. She also has a bachelor's degree in political science and public service from the University of California, Davis, and an instructor credential with the California Community Colleges.

Suzanne enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and practicing martial arts.

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Chris Schmidt, Southern California Planning and Modal Program Manager

Chris Schmidt last month was promoted to be Caltrans' Southern California Planning and Modal Program Manager. Chris has been the Division Chief of Transportation Planning at headquarters for the past two years.

In his new position, Chris will be working to coordinate planning and multimodal transportation activities for Districts 7 (Los Angeles), 8 (San Bernardino), 11 (San Diego) and 12 (Orange County). Among many other challenges, he will lead several statewide initiatives related to implementation of Senate Bill 743, pursue opportunities to better link transportation and housing, and work to coordinate freight planning and investments.

The Program Manager position will be housed in District 11 and will work closely with the Southern California Deputy District Directors for Planning and Local Assistance.

Under Chris' leadership of Transportation Planning, the division has adopted a strategic direction, developed a division business plan, kicked off the updates to the California Transportation Plan 2050 and Freight Mobility Plan 2019, instituted project initiation document efficiencies, completed multiple district climate change vulnerability assessments, initiated the development of district bicycle and pedestrian plans, and awarded numerous SB 1 transportation planning grants.

Chris has an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, and graduate degrees in health science and planning from Ball State and the University of Virginia, respectively. He is also a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners.

He and his wife reside in the Carmel Valley community of the city of San Diego, where he enjoys the beach, running, golfing and cycling.