by Nicholas A. Sofoul, Director of Strategic Planning and Transit Systems at North County Transit District, is honored to have been selected as a member of Mass Transit magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. Rising stars in the transit sector who exhibit exceptional leadership, creativity, and accomplishment are honored on the annual list.
Sofoul’s contributions to the advancement of public transportation and to NCTD’s purpose of serving North San Diego County are highlighted by the honor.
Shawn M. Donaghy, chief executive officer of North County Transit San Diego Railroad, congratulated Nick on this amazing honor. Nick has played a key role in the agency’s accomplishments over the last few years, which have included major projects that have shaped North County’s future.
Since joining NCTD in 2022, Sofoul has spearheaded a number of significant projects, such as the introduction of NCTD+, the agency’s first microtransit service, and the shift from a contracted to an NCTD-directed model for bus operations and maintenance. According to a news release, the transfer was finished without any service interruptions and the newly integrated team developed a solid organizational culture.
“I am incredibly grateful for the leadership, mentors, and colleagues at NCTD,” Sofoul remarked. My determination to serve with humility and pursue excellence for our passengers, who are always at the center of my work at NCTD, is strengthened by receiving this accolade.
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Having worked in public transportation for about 15 years, Sofoul is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning and the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
He worked for Broward County Transit (BCT) in Florida for 11 years before to joining NCTD. He launched the county’s Premium Mobility Plan (PREMO), helped obtain dedicated transit financing, and advanced transit-oriented development techniques by updating the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code when he was there.
