High Speed Rail Authority Appoints New Managers

After appointing a new CEO in June, the California High Speed Rail Authority has assembled a new team to manage operations.  The CHSRA announced Monday evening that it had placed eight new people into leadership positions within organization.

“The Authority is making major strides in putting in place an experienced management team to significantly improve its operations,” said Jeff Morales,  CHSRA CEO.  “Today marks a major milestone in achieving our staffing goals with more progress soon to follow,” Morales said.

Morales collaborated with the California Department of Transportation to find people with the appropriate skill sets.

Dennis Trujillo will be the CHSRA’s new Chief Deputy Director.  He has worked as the Deputy Director of External Affairs for Caltrans, and as Deputy Treasurer to California Treasurer Phil Angelides.

The new Northern California Regional Director will be Ben Tripousis.  The San Jose State graduate was previously a transportation policy manager for the City of San Jose.  He was also the District Director for Assembly member Delaine Eastin.

Karen Green Ross was hired as Assistant Chief Counsel.  Prior to this position with the transportation authority, she was the Deputy for Investments for California State Controller Steve Westly. 

Former Air Force member Wendy Boykins will be serving as the Chief Administration Officer.  She worked as a human resources manager at the Department of General services for more than 25 years.

The man who coordinated project risk management for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Project, Jon Tapping, will be the new Risk Manager.  Much of his professional experience is in large project management.

Former federal advisor Melissa White is the new Chief Deputy of External Affairs.  She’s worked as a staff member in U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s office, and as an Analyst at the Regional Council of Rural Counties in Sacramento.

The Central Valley Regional Director will be Diana L. Gomez, who most recently worked on the California Department of Transportation’s  executive team in Fresno.

Rob Wilcox, former communications director for the California Citizens Redistricting Commission was hired to be the Deputy Director of Communications.  Wilcox handled communications for the City of Los Angeles’ Controllers office.

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