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SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li Named One of Sacramento’s 2026 Most Admired CEOs

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is proud to announce that its General Manager/CEO Henry Li has been recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the region’s Most Admired CEOs. Li’s nomination was driven by his nearly decade-long exceptional leadership in the Greater Sacramento region transforming SacRT into a modern, customer-centric, and highly reputable agency. His leadership is defined by:  

Vision and Transformation

Li is laser focused on key initiatives that not only benefit SacRT, but they also positively impact the region, including: 

  • Fiscal Accountability – Implementing strong financial controls and cost-saving measures. 
  • Strategic Innovation – Introducing industry-first programs and technologies. 
  • Inclusive Workforce Development – Building a culture of engagement and professional growth. 
  • Safety and Security Ingenuity – Proactively addressing crime and nuisance behavior through robust security initiatives. 

 

Industry Firsts and Community Impact

Li is credited with numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including: 

  • Launching the nation’s first fare-free program for 320,000 Sacramento youth in grades TK through 12th. 
  • Implementing Tap-To-Ride contactless fare payment on light rail, the first in California. 
  • Leading SacRT through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring essential workers had reliable transportation. 

Recent Accomplishments

In the past year, Li has: 

  • Rolled out modern low-floor light rail vehicles and upgraded platforms. 
  • Introduced 15-minute light rail service to Folsom. 
  • Secured over $369 million in competitive and formula grant funding for modernization and sustainability projects. 
  • Progressed transit-oriented development by partnering with three affordable housing developers on three successful Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities grants. 
  • Advanced construction of Dos Rios Station and Downtown Railyards Station. 
  • Launched an award-winning Bus Stop and Bike Lane Enforcement Program using AI technology – SacRT is the only agency in the nation that has a revenue sharing deal as well as bike lane enforcement. 

National Recognition

Li’s leadership has earned SacRT and himself numerous honors, including:

  • American Public Transportation Association Bus Safety Gold Award
  • American Public Transportation Association Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the Year (2019) – the equivalent of the Oscars for the transit industry recognizing only one CEO per year.
  • American Public Transportation Association Outstanding Public Transit System of the Year (2021).
  • Sacramento Taxpayer Association Good Governance Award (2019).

2026 Most Admired CEO Award

This recognition by the Sacramento Business Journal underscores Li’s exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community service. His vision continues to transform public transportation in the Sacramento region, setting a national standard for excellence and customer-focused service. 

Read the full Sacramento Business Journal article featuring the 2026 Most Admired CEOs here. 
 
Li will be honored alongside 20 other honorees at the Most Admired CEOs awards ceremony in March 2026 in Sacramento.