Monica Benavides

Chief Deputy District Director, Caltrans District 7

Bio Monica Benavides is the Chief Deputy District Director for Caltrans District 7. District 7, comprised of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, is the second largest Caltrans district serving a population of approximately 10 million. Monica is the number two ranking officer behind District 7 Director, Gloria Roberts, and responsible for directing operations relating to the major functions of the District, including Construction, Maintenance, Program/Project Management, Design, Right of Way, Operations, Administration, External Affairs, Environmental Planning, Transportation Safety, and Planning, Goods Movement and Local Assistance. Monica has worked in the transportation industry leading projects and programs to successful execution in both the private and public sector.

Monica began her Caltrans career 23 years ago in District 12 with previous private industry and local public works experience. She has extensively worked in project delivery areas such as Construction, Design and Program/Project Management both at the District and Headquarters level.

Monica Benavides has innovated, collaborated, and led the transportation industry in various capacities. She has demonstrated outstanding expertise in successfully delivering major infrastructure projects, utilizing both traditional and alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build and CMGC. She promotes inclusive environments where projects are delivered on time and on budget with a people’s first focus.

As of today, District 7 is embarking on an $4.1 billion capital improvement program with $1.8 billion in construction now. Monica oversees all project delivery phases with budgetary and schedule responsibility and leads District 7 with steady leadership implementing strategies and process improvements for greater efficiencies and performance.

Monica is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in California with a Civil Engineering degree from California State University Fullerton and enjoys making a difference in the communities she serves.