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Other cause: Service Change, effective January 4, 2026
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Leadership Team

Our staff dedicated to serving you

Allan Pollock
General Manager

Email: allan.pollock@cherriots.org

Allan has served as the District’s General Manager since June 2007. Prior to joining Cherriots he started his public transportation career at the Orange County Transportation Authority. In 1996 he then served as the Transit Operations Manager, Montebello Bus Lines, Montebello, CA and was appointed Director of Transportation in 2002.

​He currently serves on the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) board of directors and serves as the Vice-Chair of the Small Operations Committee. He is a board member for the Oregon Transit Association and served as its President from 2011-2015. He is also the current chair of the Oregon Public Transportation Advisory Committee.

​Allan is active in the local community serving as a board member for Garten Services, Salem City Club, and Marion County Children and Families Commission. He is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club and has served on several community committees.

​Allan holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Chapman University, a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and is a graduate of Leadership APTA and Leadership Keizer.

David G. Trimble
Deputy General Manager

Email: david.trimble@cherriots.org

As Deputy General Manager, David coordinates with the General Manager/CEO to provide overall leadership to Cherriots in achieving District objectives, strategic goals, and performance management. David directs the activities of the Executive Leadership Team to build and enhance the team’s coordination and capability. David is also responsible for oversight of the District’s Project Management Office (PMO), Information Technology, and Procurement and Contracts departments. 

David has 30 years of public and private transportation experience. Before joining the team at Cherriots in January 2016, David served in several transportation leadership roles, which included: director of transportation programs for TriMet in Portland, Oregon; division manager, Transit Operations for Golden Empire Transit in Bakersfield, California; and area district manager for First Transit, Inc., where he oversaw nine transit operating locations in the central valley and central coast of California. David also served as general manager for the Kern County Regional Transit system in Bakersfield, California.

David has a master's degree in administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and holds several certifications in transit-related disciplines.

Tom Dietz
Chief Operations Officer

Email: tom.dietz@cherriots.org

In his role as the Chief Operations Officer, Tom serves as a member of the executive leadership team. He oversees maintenance operations, including facilities, and directs the activities of staff and contractors involved in all the District's transportation services: fixed-route service, ADA paratransit, dial-a-ride (shuttle), regional transportation, and call center.

Tom has more than 20 years of transportation and operations management experience. He has served in a number of executive, leadership, and managerial roles in non-profit, county government, and tribal organizations. He came to Cherriots in January 2021 from Washington State where he was the Transportation Director for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. Roles prior to that include director of transportation for Homage Senior Services in Lynwood; director of transportation services operations at Hopelink in Bellevue; and operations manager for Senior Services of Snohomish County.

Tom has a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, and decision science from the University of Wyoming, and certifications in transit and non-profit related disciplines.

VACANT
Chief Financial Officer

Shofi Ull Azum Shofi
Chief Planning and Development Officer

Email: shofi.azum@cherriots.org

As the Chief Planning and Development Officer, Shofi leads the District’s strategic service development, scheduling, capital construction, and capital improvement (real estate) programs. He is also responsible for the development of a capital-infrastructure program to facilitate the growth of the District, improve accessibility, reduce congestion, and assist with District’s efforts toward transitioning to a zero-emissions bus fleet. 

Shofi’s work and leadership experience comprise capital project delivery, project controls, transportation planning, operational innovation and performance management, and fleet electrification. “Mass Transit Magazine” recognized Shofi as a “Top 40 under 40” honoree in 2021 for his capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to making an impact in the transit industry. Shofi currently serves on the Transportation Research Board as a panel member for Transit Cooperative Research Program. 

Shofi holds an Executive MBA (major in Information Technology) degree from Ottawa University, a master’s degree in urban planning from University of Kansas, a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

 

Jaél Rose
Chief Business Development Officer

Email: jael.rose@cherriots.org

Jaél Rose serves as Chief Business Development Officer, where she leads the District’s efforts to support strategic growth, strengthen public trust, and build durable relationships across the community. In this executive role, she oversees strategic planning, marketing and communications, customer service, community relations, stakeholder and government partnerships, vendor relations, internal and external communications, and the stewardship of employee and labor relations at the organizational level.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and systems-oriented thinking, Jaél brings together strategy, communication, and relationship building to help organizations navigate complexity and lead meaningful change. She focuses on aligning internal and external customer experience, strengthening organizational credibility, and developing practical, people-centered solutions that support long-term success. Her work often involves bridging perspectives across departments, partners, and community stakeholders to move shared goals forward with clarity and care.

Jaél brings nearly 20 years of progressive experience spanning employee and labor relations, organizational leadership, business operations, and change management. Earlier in her career, her scope expanded beyond people operations to include product safety, quality certifications, and enterprise systems implementation, further shaping her business acumen and problem-solving approach. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and is fluent in English and Spanish. Having lived in multiple regions of the world, Jaél brings a broad, global perspective to her work and a deep appreciation for the role public institutions play in strengthening community connection and trust.

Cliff Carpentier
Chief Safety Officer

Email: cliff.carpentier@cherriots.org

As the Chief Safety Officer, Cliff proactively leads the Cherriots Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Division staff to achieve bus, facilities, and emergency planning goals and objectives of the district. He provides functional oversight, including auditing, of the safety, security and emergency planning activities, and the Cherriots construction/capital and facility improvement projects.

Cliff is a seasoned safety and security professional with more than 20 years of experience in public protection, law enforcement, security management, and emergency response. Adept at leading diverse teams with a strong focus on emotional intelligence, equity, and inclusivity, Cliff has built a reputation for delivering strategic safety solutions that enhance organizational security, protect people and assets, and improve operational resilience. He possesses a proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive safety programs, manage large-scale security infrastructure projects, and oversee complex risk management initiatives across multiple sectors.

Cliff’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of safety management, including risk identification, threat mitigation, emergency planning, security system development, and compliance management. He has demonstrated a commitment to public safety, business continuity, and team leadership through his roles at both educational institutions and law enforcement agencies. Cliff’s career includes significant contributions in security operations, crisis management, policy development, and community collaboration, with a strong track record in building sustainable security frameworks that prioritize employee and student safety.

Earlier in his career, Cliff served as a Sergeant with the Salem Police Department, where he played an instrumental role in managing various units, including Youth Services, Tactical Negotiations, and Mobile Crisis Response. His leadership in the department included overseeing the implementation of advanced technology systems and participating in community outreach initiatives to promote crime diversion and support at-risk populations.

Cliff holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Globe University and a dual master’s degree in homeland security and emergency management from American Military University.