MODESTO — The Stanislaus Council of Governments has appointed Amber Collins as its next executive director, selecting a veteran transportation planner to lead the agency as it works to rebuild public trust following the firing of its previous chief.

The StanCOG policy board approved Collins’ appointment on March 18. She brings more than 17 years of experience in transportation planning, funding and regional governance. Collins previously served as both executive director and planning director for the Calaveras Council of Governments and worked in the private sector with statewide consulting firm Mark Thomas, where she was senior transportation planning manager and Planning and Funding Division manager.

Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, a master’s degree in engineering, and a master’s degree in city and regional planning, all from California Polytechnic State University.

“Amber is the right person to fill this position,” said Supervisor Buck Condit, StanCOG chair. “She is intelligent and thoughtful, and will be a great asset to the agency and the community.”

Riverbank Mayor Rachel Hernandez, who chaired the ad hoc committee that screened applicants, said the search drew more than 100 candidates, narrowed to eight finalists. Collins, she said, “was the obvious standout — not only is she from the Valley, but she has the credentials and leadership skills which are pivotal at this time for the agency.”

Her appointment comes months after the policy board voted unanimously to fire former executive director Rosa De Leon Park with cause. Park was removed Aug. 6 after a civil grand jury accused her of misusing public funds, including renting luxury vehicles, staying at high‑end hotels, taking first‑class flights and altering her vacation policy in a way that may have increased her compensation by tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Park had been on paid administrative leave at $25,000 per month since late June. Board members said they acted after an ad hoc committee presented findings they believed warranted immediate termination.

“I don’t need a $100,000 investigation to tell me it’s wrong to increase vacation time without approval from the governing board,” said County Supervisor Mani Grewal at the time.

Taxpayer advocates have called for full transparency as a financial audit proceeds. “Every questionable policy, every dollar misused, and every breach of trust must be accounted for,” said Nick Dokoozlian of the Stanislaus County Taxpayers Association.

Collins will take over an agency navigating the fallout from the scandal while overseeing regional transportation planning, funding allocations and long‑range mobility projects across Stanislaus County.