ENSACRAMENTO, CA — The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is proud to announce that General Manager/CEO, Henry Li was recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the region’s 2026 Most Admired CEOs during an awards ceremony held on March 5, 2026. This prestigious honor also highlights Li’s nearly decade-long leadership in transforming SacRT into a modern, customer-focused, and nationally respected transit agency. In 2026, Li was the lone awardee representing the education, civic, and government sectors in the Most Admired CEO category.
Under Li’s visionary leadership, SacRT has achieved groundbreaking milestones that have elevated public transportation in the Greater Sacramento region. His approach is defined by:
- 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.
Li’s commitment to fiscal integrity was also recognized in 2019 when the Sacramento Taxpayer Association awarded him with its Good Governance Award for protecting taxpayer dollars—the only time this honor has ever been given.
Industry Firsts and Community Impact
Li spearheaded several transformative initiatives, including:
- Launching the nation’s first fare-free program for 320,000 Sacramento youth (grades TK–12), with over 5 million trips taken in 2025.
- Implementing California’s first Tap-To-Ride contactless fare payment on light rail.
- Leading SacRT through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure essential workers had reliable transportation.
Recent Accomplishments
In the past year alone, 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.
- Advanced transit-oriented development through partnerships on affordable housing projects.
- Launched an award-winning Bus Stop and Bike Lane Enforcement Program using AI technology – the only revenue generating program of its kind in the nation.
Li’s leadership has earned SacRT and himself numerous national honors, including the American Public Transportation Association Outstanding Public Transportation CEO of the Year (2019) and Outstanding Public Transit System of the Year (2021). Over the past seven years, multiple independent polls and surveys have also ranked SacRT as one of the region’s most trustworthy and reputable public agencies, further reinforcing the public confidence built under his leadership.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized among Sacramento’s Most Admired CEOs. This award reflects the incredible dedication of the entire SacRT team and visionary Board of Directors creating a shared commitment to innovation, fiscal responsibility, and serving our community,” said Henry Li, SacRT General Manager/CEO. “Together, we are shaping a transit system that not only meets today’s needs but sets a national standard for the future.”
“Henry’s exemplary leadership and expertise in the transit industry have transformed SacRT into a national model for innovation and customer service,” said SacRT Board Chair and Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen. “His people-first approach and commitment to excellence make this recognition by the Sacramento Business Journal well-deserved and a point of pride for our entire region.”
The Sacramento Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO recognition underscores Li’s unwavering commitment to innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community service. He was honored alongside 20 other distinguished leaders at the Most Admired CEOs Awards Ceremony on March 5, 2026, in Sacramento. Read the Sacramento Business Journal’s full article featuring the 2026 Most Admired CEOs here.
Learn more about Li’s decade of transformation here: www.sacrt.com/ceooftheyear/
