2016 Top 40 Under 40: Amanda M. Denham, M.P.A.

Sept. 6, 2016
Amanda M. Denham, M.P.A., Manager of Support Services, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

Amanda M. Denham, M.P.A.

Manager of Support Services

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

  • Alma Mater: University of San Diego and San Diego State University
  • Favorite TV show: "Nashville" 
  • Favorite movie: "The Blind Side"
  • Favorite hobby(s): Denham enjoys running, going to the beach, Aztec football games, and Padres baseball games with her husband and two young boys
  • Favorite transit system outside of the one they work for or have worked for: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Chicago, Illinois. Denham had a great experience while on a trip in Chicago riding CTA. Denham said that it was one of the trips where they did not use a car the entire time.

After a successful career in the private sector's customer service industry, Amanda joined the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) in 2013 and hit the ground running as the Manager of Support Services shortly thereafter. She brings a high level of energy and attention to detail to the groups under her direction including Revenue, Customer Service, the Information & Trip Planning Call Center, the Compass Card Call Center, and the Transit Store. Amanda’s focus on the customer has led MTS’ efforts in improving the quality and consistency, availability, and overall effectiveness of customer information across the agency, and improving the overall customer experience. Under her leadership, MTS has achieved a 20% reduction in customer complaints. 

Amanda has been a change process leader, continuing to develop her team to drive continuous improvements in processes, systems and performance. She has also overseen the successful implementation of several technology investments for these areas and through her close attention to detail and clear communication with others involved in the projects. Amanda has also been a leader in many of the agency’s key initiatives, including a mobile ticketing solution, fixed-route contract procurement, MTS website redesign, and the recent construction and relocation of the agency’s retail shop for customer service.

As the agency embarks on new bus and rail initiatives, such as a new BRT line in the South Bay and rail expansion along the north coast, Amanda's commitment to MTS and her ability to explore innovative ways to address new challenges will prove to be tremendous asset for the agency's growth.

"I think the industry as a whole is extremely impactful for what we do for the community, not just those that ride our system every day - but the overall well-being of the service area. I love being in an area where technology is helping people experiencing transit, but also being able to alleviate the challenges that each community faces from pollution to congestion.”

Fun fact: Denham is the middle of three daughters; and now is the only female in a house with three males.