Nguyen, a respected business and community leader, continues his service on the Board to enhance mobility in Orange County’s transportation system
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors has reappointed Orange County small-business owner Tam T. Nguyen to serve as one of two public members on the board.
Nguyen, a Fountain Valley resident, has served in this role since 2021, and his reappointment will extend his tenure through 2029. Nguyen served as the OCTA Board Chair in 2024.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Orange County as a public member on the OCTA Board for another four years,” Nguyen said. “OCTA makes a positive impact on the lives of everyone in our communities by improving mobility, increasing accessibility, and being responsible stewards of public funds. I look forward to the privilege of working alongside my fellow board members to continue building a transportation system that supports economic growth and sustainability.”
Nguyen has been a strong advocate for small business and community engagement in transportation planning. In addition to his role as a public member, he has been an integral part of OCTA’s Diverse Community Leaders Group since its inception more than a decade ago, ensuring that the agency’s projects reflect the needs of all Orange County residents.
Nguyen is widely recognized for his leadership in business, philanthropy, and education. He is the co-owner of Advance Beauty College, a second-generation family-owned business founded in 1987.
His contributions to education extend beyond his business. Nguyen teaches business management at California State University, Fullerton and has served as past President of the university’s alumni association and past Chair of the Board of Governors Philanthropic Foundation. Nguyen currently serves as a Board member for Genesis Bank, Orange County Community Foundation, MemorialCare Orange County Hospitals and Small Business Diversity Network.
Nguyen will continue to work with the board to help guide transportation policy and programs for a balanced and sustainable transportation future for Orange County’s 3.2 million residents. Those decisions are guided in large part by Measure M, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements approved by voters in 1990 and overwhelmingly renewed by voters in 2006.
Nguyen, who was 1 year old when he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1975 as a refugee from Vietnam, has deep roots in Orange County's Little Saigon Vietnamese American community. He and his wife, Christine, have three children.
The OCTA Board consists of 18 members, including all five county supervisors, 10 elected city council members representing all regions of the county, and two public members. A non-voting Caltrans representative also serves on the Board.
The other appointed public member is businessman Michael Hennessey, whose current term lasts until October 2027. Public members serve four-year terms and are eligible for reappointment to additional terms.
For more information on OCTA programs and projects – and all of those who serve on the OCTA Board of Directors – visit www.octa.net.
