Lance Larson joined the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) as the executive director of government relations, effective April 11.

For four years, Larson served as director of legislative affairs for San Bernardino County, where he worked directly with the county’s board of supervisors and served as a legislative liaison and chief spokesman for the county to the California State Legislature and U.S. Congress.

While working for San Bernardino County, Larson was the senior associate for legislation, appropriations and federal relations at Innovative Federal Strategies, LLC. He also served as the policy director and coordinator for U.S. Representative Christopher Cox.

“Given the current economic climate and Lance’s extensive background in government relations, specifically legislative strategy, he’s the ideal addition to lead our team,” said OCTA CEO Will Kempton.

Larson replaces Kris Murray, who resigned late last year after being elected to serve on the Anaheim City Council.

“I look forward to joining Southern California’s premier transportation agency and working to help deliver projects and programs that continue to make Orange County one of the best places in the country to live and work,” Larson said.

Larson lives in North Tustin with his wife, Margaret.