Who's New
Nick Dobis, media manager
Nick Dobis is Headquarters Public Affairs’ newest media manager.
In his role, Nick will help develop and manage public-facing communications regarding the important work performed by Caltrans’ Planning and Modal Programs Division. His expertise also extends to multimedia content, internal messaging, and media relations.
Nick brings more than a decade of experience in public affairs and broadcast journalism to bear on his latest post. Prior to his current position, Nick oversaw the department’s Customer Service Request (CSR) system and served as liaison between the public and the Division of Maintenance as the customer service officer at Headquarters.
Prior to joining the department he worked as a broadcast journalist at several major affiliates, including KHSL/KNVN in Chico, KCRA (NBC) and Capitol Public Radio (NPR) in Sacramento, and KPIX (CBS) in San Francisco. Nick grew up overlooking the shores of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County but has called Northern California home since 2006.
When he isn’t hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie, and 1-year-old daughter, Millie. Nick also enjoys hiking, golfing, reading, and live music.
Loren Magaña, digital media manager
Loren Magaña is the new digital media manager overseeing social media content and web-based platforms for Caltrans Headquarters (HQ). Loren will also contribute his talents toward special projects, public relations and internal communications.
Loren brings 18 years of experience in public affairs, media relations and social marketing to his new role and earlier this month celebrated five years with the department.
In his previous posts, Loren has managed social media and digital assets for the Public Health Institute, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Stanford University and Stanford Health Care. At Caltrans HQ, he has served in a variety of capacities, including as a public information officer specialist, customer service officer and social media expert and content creator.
For the past three years, Magaña led the award-winning Stormwater Public Education Campaign, “Let’s Change This to That,” which has produced nearly 2 billion digital impressions and established more than 40 new statewide partnerships for the department.
When he’s not making cameo appearances as the “Dancing Safety Sam,” you can find him on an endless search for the best tacos or pitching for the local city league softball and kickball teams.
Barbara McGahey, executive liaison in Director’s Office
Barbara McGahey is Caltrans’ new executive liaison in the Director’s Office.
In this role, Barbara will provide high-level support to the director, chief deputy director and chief of staff on special initiatives and policy matters that are of significant concern to Caltrans, and when needed will undertake special projects on behalf of the director, chief deputy director, chief of staff, and the Executive Board.
As the executive liaison, Barbara will be available to work closely with district directors, Headquarters deputy directors, division chiefs, managers and subject-matter experts on a variety of assignments, ensuring smooth coordination and execution of the Executive Board’s operations including organizing our Executive Board meetings.
Barbara brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our organization, which will be instrumental in her new role. Her 24-year Caltrans career spanned several districts and roles, starting in District 8 in Design, Headquarters in the office of Geotechnical Design and Structure Construction, leading to her recent tenure in District 12 Strategic Portfolio Management as a project manager, during which time she acted as office chief for the Project and Program Management (PPM) office, demonstrating exceptional leadership and project management skills.
Over the years Barbara had the opportunity to work on many fascinating projects. From remediating the Templin Slide and inspecting structures on the State Routes 125/54 Gap Connector project and the award-winning State Route 75 Ortega Highway Safety Project, then taking a leadership role as a structures representative, leading to the project manager position on more than 600 million dollars' worth of projects from large local partnership projects to time constrained safety projects and everything in between.
Barbara’s expertise extends beyond project management. She has a proven track record in strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, which will be invaluable as she takes on the responsibilities of this pivotal role. Her ability to build and maintain professional relationships, coupled with her forward-thinking approach, will help drive the success of our initiatives.