Morada woman takes charge of Lodi’s transit system
The City of Lodi has a new transportation manager. Georgia Lantsberger began work on Tuesday and is filling the position left vacant by the retirement of Paula Fernandez.
Lantsberger said the position is a good fit both personally and professionally.
“When I saw the position was open, I thought ‘oh, that sounds interesting, that’s exactly what I do,’” said Lantsberger, who was working for the City of Manteca transit department prior to coming to Lodi.
“I thought this was a great challenge because Lodi has a bigger transit system than Manteca does,” Lantsberger said. “They (the City of Lodi) were really fast-tracking a lot of their projects and I just saw this as something I really needed to do to take it to the next level, and just thought it would be a good fit because I love Lodi.”
Lantsberger, who lives in Morada, said that Lodi is where she does all her shopping and recreational activities and the commute to Manteca was becoming difficult.
As Lodi’s transportation manager, Lantsberger will manage the contracts for the city’s transit system and oversee a variety of funding sources for federal projects.
“She had the skill set and the experience we were looking for to replace Paula Fernandez,” Public Works Director Charlie Swimley said of Lantsberger. “We’re confident that she’s got the attitude and the will to keep improving the system as we move forward.”
Prior to her three years in Manteca, Lantsberger, who holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Asuza Pacific University, spent a decade working for the Victorville Public Works Department’s internal transit system.
“That gave me my first introduction into the world of transit and funding, and how to balance those funds with streets and roads projects versus transit projects,” Lantsberger said.
One of the biggest challenges Lantsberger said she will face in her new role is getting up to speed.
“They’ve got a lot of projects going on. Getting a handle on them, understanding them, making sure I meet the deadlines and that everything moves forward so that we don’t risk losing any funding so that our projects
aren’t delayed will be a challenge.” Lantsberger said.
Having worked with Fernandez in the past through the San Joaquin Council of Governments, Lantsberger said she is already familiar with Lodi’s system. Fellow staff has also been very helpful with her getting adjusted to the new job.
Even though she has only been working for the city for three days, Lantsberger said is enjoying the job.
“This is my third day and so far I love the culture, the people and the teamwork,” Lantsberger said. “Even though transit staff is very limited, the entire Public Works Department is involved so you get that feeling that you can always go to someone in the department to assist you when you need it.”
Outside of her career in transit, Lantsberger enjoys exercising, playing tennis and wine tasting. She is a member of six wineries in Lodi and when friends and family come to visit they enjoy wine tasting. She also enjoys spending time at home with her husband and hanging out with her two daughters when they come to visit.
“We actually do staycations and do things here in Lodi,” Lantsberger said.