Yucca Valley Council Member Rick Denison elected as president of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority

Council Member Denison will lead SBCTA’s Board of Directors in guiding a comprehensive and future-focused transportation agenda, which includes overseeing a $1 billion annual budget and managing initiatives aimed at improving regional mobility, infrastructure and connectivity for more than 2 million residents.

“I’m honored to serve as President of SBCTA for the upcoming year,” said Denison. “As a representative of a desert and rural community, I understand the importance of equitable access to transportation resources. I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to deliver innovative solutions that serve all corners of our diverse region.”

Denison’s leadership at SBCTA follows his service as Vice President and Chair of the Transit Committee. He has been a consistent advocate for thoughtful transportation investments that serve both immediate needs and long-term growth.

“Rick Denison’s election as President of SBCTA is a reflection of his steady leadership and deep understanding of regional priorities,” said Yucca Valley Town Manager Curtis Yakimow. “His commitment to both Yucca Valley and the broader county ensures that small community voices remain central in shaping transportation policy and investments.”

Denison was first elected to the Yucca Valley Town Council in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He served as Mayor in 2018 and 2022 and as Mayor Pro Tem in 2017. In addition to his service on SBCTA, Denison represents Yucca Valley as a Regional Council Member and Voting Delegate with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and serves on its Energy and Environment Committee.

Prior to his retirement, Denison dedicated 32 years to public safety with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, serving communities across the Mojave Desert region.

For more information about SBCTA and its projects, visit www.gosbcta.com.