New Leadership Elected at SANDAG

On Friday, the SANDAG Board of Directors unanimously elected Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner to serve as Chair. Heebner assumed the role immediately after the election and will serve a two-year term. 

"I am honored to lead the organization in its mission to plan, build, and provide critical infrastructure and resources for the San Diego region," said SANDAG Chair Heebner. "I am committed to supporting the SANDAG team in strengthening the agency's internal operations and ensuring transparency for the Board and the public."  

Heebner has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the City of Solana Beach. She has been a SANDAG primary Board member for 14 years and served 2 years as Second Vice Chair. Additionally, she has served as Chair of the Regional Planning Committee and as a member of both the Borders Committee and Transportation Committee. As SANDAG Chair, she succeeds former San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas. 

During Friday’s meeting, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava was elected to serve as SANDAG Vice Chair and Santee Mayor John Minto was elected to serve as Second Vice Chair. 

“I’m very honored to take on this role,” said Vice Chair LaCava. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow Board members and our regional partners to find solutions to our regional needs and improve the lives of people across the region.”

LaCava represents San Diego City Council District 1 and currently serves as Chair of the SANDAG Regional Planning Committee. LaCava joined the SANDAG Board in 2022 and has been a member of the SANDAG Shoreline Preservation Working Group and the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project Working Group.

“We’ve got some really important work to do as SANDAG,” said Second Vice Chair Minto. "I believe that by aligning our efforts, we can create vibrant communities where all residents can thrive.” 

Santee Mayor Minto has served on the SANDAG Board since 2002. He previously chaired the Borders Committee from 2010 to 2016 and has served on the Public Safety Committee since 2016, becoming Vice Chair in January 2022. In addition to his work with SANDAG, Minto is a member of the Board of Directors for the League of California Cities.