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Leadership Team

Our staff dedicated to serving you

Allan Pollock
General Manager

Email: allan.pollock@cherriots.org

Allan has served as the District’s General Manager since June 2007. Prior to joining Cherriots he started his public transportation career at the Orange County Transportation Authority. In 1996 he then served as the Transit Operations Manager, Montebello Bus Lines, Montebello, CA and was appointed Director of Transportation in 2002.

​He currently serves on the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) board of directors and serves as the Vice-Chair of the Small Operations Committee. He is a board member for the Oregon Transit Association and served as its President from 2011-2015. He is also the current chair of the Oregon Public Transportation Advisory Committee.

​Allan is active in the local community serving as a board member for Garten Services, Salem City Club, and Marion County Children and Families Commission. He is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club and has served on several community committees.

​Allan holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Chapman University, a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and is a graduate of Leadership APTA and Leadership Keizer.

David G. Trimble
Deputy General Manager

Email: david.trimble@cherriots.org

As Deputy General Manager, David coordinates with the General Manager/CEO to provide overall leadership to Cherriots in achieving District objectives, strategic goals, and performance management.  David directs the activities of the Executive Leadership Team to build and enhance the team’s coordination and capability.  David is also responsible for oversight of the District’s and Security and Emergency department and the District’s Capital Planning activities.  

David has more than 26 years of transportation management experience (over 30 years of total management experience). Before joining the team at Cherriots in January 2016, David served in several transportation leadership roles, which included: director of transportation programs for TriMet in Portland, Oregon; division manager, Transit Operations for Golden Empire Transit in Bakersfield, California; and area district manager for First Transit, Inc., where he oversaw nine transit operating locations in the central valley and central coast of California. David also served as general manager for the Kern County Regional Transit system in Bakersfield, California. 

David has a master's degree in administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and holds several certifications in transit-related disciplines. 

Shofi Ull Azum Shofi
Chief Planning and Development Officer

Email: shofi.azum@cherriots.org

As the Chief Planning and Development Officer, Shofi leads the District’s strategic service development, scheduling, capital construction, and capital improvement (real estate) programs. He is also responsible for the development of a capital-infrastructure program to facilitate the growth of the District, improve accessibility, reduce congestion, and assist with District’s efforts toward transitioning to a zero-emissions bus fleet. 

Shofi’s work and leadership experience comprise capital project delivery, project controls, transportation planning, operational innovation and performance management, and fleet electrification. “Mass Transit Magazine” recognized Shofi as a “Top 40 under 40” honoree in 2021 for his capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to making an impact in the transit industry. Shofi currently serves on the Transportation Research Board as a panel member for Transit Cooperative Research Program. 

Shofi holds an Executive MBA (major in Information Technology) degree from Ottawa University, a master’s degree in urban planning from University of Kansas, a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

 

Tom Dietz
Chief Operations Officer

Email: tom.dietz@cherriots.org

In his role as the Chief Operations Officer, Tom serves as a member of the executive leadership team. He oversees maintenance operations, including facilities, and directs the activities of staff and contractors involved in all the District's transportation services: fixed-route service, ADA paratransit, dial-a-ride (shuttle), regional transportation, and call center.

Tom has more than 20 years of transportation and operations management experience. He has served in a number of executive, leadership, and managerial roles in non-profit, county government, and tribal organizations. He came to Cherriots in January 2021 from Washington State where he was the Transportation Director for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. Roles prior to that include director of transportation for Homage Senior Services in Lynwood; director of transportation services operations at Hopelink in Bellevue; and operations manager for Senior Services of Snohomish County.

Tom has a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, and decision science from the University of Wyoming, and certifications in transit and non-profit related disciplines.

VACANT
Chief Technology Officer

Email

Patricia Feeny
Chief Communications Officer

Email: patricia.feeny@cherriots.org

As Chief Communications Officer, Patricia serves as a member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for all corporate communication, including the development and implementation of the District’s strategies for rebranding, marketing, media relations, public outreach, advertising, and digital media. She oversees the Marketing Department, Customer Service Office, Transportation Options Program, Cherriots Eligibility Office, Travel Training Program, and Transit Hosts Program.

Patricia has more than 30 years of communication experience in both the private and public sector, including news reporting for the Statesman Journal and media spokesman and communication specialist for both Oregon Health & Science University and Providence Health and Services. Before coming to Cherriots in February 2016, Patricia served as the strategic communication manager for the award-winning Oregon State Hospital construction project. Patricia worked for Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Human Services, serving as the public information officer for child protective services, TANF, addictions and mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and seniors and people with disabilities.

Patricia holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas.

Denise LaRue
Chief Financial Officer

Email: denise.larue@cherriots.org

As the Chief Financial Officer, Denise serves as a member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for leading, planning, organizing, and directing the activities and staff of the Finance Division. Division functions include accounting; short and long-term financial planning and analyses; budget preparation and control; contract and grant administration; purchasing; and inventory control.

In addition to ensuring the fiscal sustainability of the organization, she is
responsible for securing adequate funding for operations and capital projects, and
providing financial information to the general manager and the Board of Directors.

In addition to 32 years of experience in finance and accounting, she has overseen
business services, risk management, payroll, human resources, and information
technology. Prior to coming to the District, she was the chief financial officer and
vice president for the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette.

Denise holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration
in accounting, from Oregon State University.

Jaél Rose
Chief Human Resources Officer

Email: jael.rose@cherriots.org

As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Jaél serves as a member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for leading human resources, labor relations, organizational development, benefits and compensation, industrial safety and risk, and reception. Additionally, she directs and coordinates the Cherriots Equal Employment Opportunity Program, leads internal employee investigations, prepares and manages the Human Resources Division budget, creates processes and programs to improve overall employee performance and productivity, and ensures that Cherriots is in compliance with all local, state, and federal employment laws.

Jaél has more than 15 years of experience in human resources, employee health and safety, and culture building and branding, primarily in the manufacturing industry. Before joining the team at Cherriots in October 2023, she was director of human resources at DWFritz Automation. Her diverse experience in human resources includes employee relations, talent management, talent acquisition, compliance, workplace safety, risk mitigation, diversity and inclusion, employee recognition, benefits negotiation, and training and development.

Jaél holds a bachelor’s degree in world languages from Portland State University. She is a Senior Professional in Human Resources and received her certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.