Congratulations to the September 2025 Employee of the Month:
Mechanic in the Ferry Division, Michael Oderda!
Michael consistently goes above and beyond and is always willing to take on challenges, especially when things do not go according to plan. When one of the main engines on a Spaulding ferry vessel lost half of its coolant fluid into the bilge, and the ferry Maintenance Manager was on vacation, Michael was filling in for him. Despite the shop being short on mechanics, he agree to meet the ferry in Sausalito on its next arrival. Michael quickly diagnosed the problem and began replacing the coolant, as well as bleeding the air from the system. Within a short time, the vessel was fully repaired and back in service. This is just one example of how he consistently steps up to tackle challenges and ensures that District ferry operations keep running smoothly.
Michael joined the District in 2013. Prior to joining the District, he held positions as a Marine Electrician Mechanic at Dahl-Beck Electric, an Electrician/Mechanic at California Electric, and as an Electrician/Mechanic at Vincent Electric Motor.
Michael was born in Martinez and has been resident of Richmond since 2012. He attended Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill with a focus on Electrical. In his spare time, Michael enjoys motorcycles, mountain biking and bass fishing. Michael was also the Employee of the Month in October 2021.
