Gwinnett County Advisory Roundtable with China Thomas, Transportation and Innovation Director, Gwinnett Department of Transportation

China Thomas serves as the Transportation Planning and Innovation Director for Gwinnett County, where she leads short- and long-range transit capital planning and drives initiatives to expand equitable, multimodal transportation options. With over 20 years of experience in public sector transportation leadership, Ms. Thomas is passionate about designing and advancing transit and mobility systems that connect people to the places and opportunities that matter most—jobs, schools, healthcare, and recreation.

Since joining Gwinnett County in 2021, she has overseen the development and implementation of the county’s Transit Development Plan and successfully secured nearly $30 million in grant funding to enhance access and mobility for residents, businesses, and visitors. Her work focuses on creating a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable future through thoughtful planning and innovation.

Previously, Ms. Thomas served as Superintendent at Long Beach Transit in California, where she expanded transit services and led operational teams. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and is an alumna of Leadership Gwinnett 2024, the Eno Center for Transportation’s Emerging Leaders Program, and Leadership Long Beach. She is also a member of WTS, COMTO – Atlanta Chapter, and other professional organizations.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her children, family, and friends.