People News: Cando Rail & Terminals, Denver RTD, LACMTA, HDR

Cando Rail & Terminals

Eric Buettner has been hired as Chief Legal Officer (CLO), a newly created role at Cando Rail & Terminals, a Brandon, Manitoba, Canada-based company that provides a range of rail services, including short line operations, industrial switching, material handling, terminal and transload services, railcar staging, train assembly, and related services. He has acted as external counsel for Cando since 2018, primarily on transactional, commercial, and real estate matters. He is now based out of Cando’s Winnipeg corporate office.

Buettner has practiced for more than 10 years in the areas of corporate and commercial law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions at MLT Aikins. He is experienced in providing advice to private corporations and shareholders in the negotiation and completion of purchases and sales of businesses, commercial transaction structuring, mergers, corporate finance, corporate planning, organization and governance, and shareholder and partnership agreements, according to Cando. Buettner holds a BA and JD from the University of Manitoba and is a member of the Manitoba Bar.  

“Eric has built an exceptional track record, overseeing robust merger and acquisition transactions, implementing structures for new investments, and helping to shape important commercial agreements,” Cando Rail & Terminals President and CEO Brian Cornick said. “Cando has quickly become one of North America’s largest owners and operators of first and last mile rail infrastructure. Bringing in a CLO of Eric’s caliber will be invaluable to Cando as we enter our most ambitious chapter yet.” 

Separately, Cando recently announced plans to significantly expand its Sturgeon Multi-Purpose Rail Terminal in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Denver RTD

Dr. Glynell Horn Jr. and Steven Martingano are serving as Acting Co-Chiefs of Denver RTD’s Transit Police and Emergency Management Department, while a national search process gets under way for a new department leader, according to the transit agency.

RTD said it is working on a public solicitation to retain a qualified executive recruitment firm to assist with its national search to recruit and hire the agency’s next Chief. The agency anticipates launching the search process next month and name a new Chief in early 2025. It did not provide a reason for the previous Chief’s departure.

“Acting Co-Chiefs Horn and Martingano have my full confidence and will ensure RTD continues to prioritize the personal safety and security of its employees and customers,” Denver RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “The two have more than 45 years of law enforcement experience between them, and they will continue the agency’s ongoing efforts to create a welcoming transit environment.”

Horn joined the RTD Police Department in 2023 as the Deputy Chief of Patrol and Security, bringing with him nearly two decades of law enforcement experience in the Houston, Tex., metro area. He holds a Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University.

“I welcome the opportunity to take on the role of acting Co-Chief with Martingano because it further exemplifies our unity as ‘One RTD’ across the entire agency,” Horn said. “As we navigate this transition together, I can confidently affirm that both our sworn and professional staff are fully dedicated to ensuring there’s a safe and welcoming environment for our employees and customers.”

Martingano was hired by Denver RTD in 2015 after working for the New York City Police Department and other Denver metro-area law enforcement agencies. He was named the RTD PD Deputy Chief in 2017. Martingano is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“As we move forward, I am excited for this opportunity and being a part of the RTD Transit Police Department’s progress,” Martingano said. “The hard work and dedication of our officers and support staff showcases a high level of professionalism, and that expectation will continue as we transition to new leadership.”

Separately, Denver RTD recently marked 30 years of light rail service.

LACMTA

Tim Lindholm is transitioning to Chief Program Management Officer at LACMTA after serving in an interim capacity since May. He will continue to focus on delivering a $28 billion program of approximately 75 active rail, bus, and highway transportation projects. Projects within his portfolio include the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station and Purple (D Line) Extension projects, which are currently in construction, and the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, which will begin construction later this year. In addition, Lindholm will lead key mega projects through design and construction work, including the Southeast Gateway Line, C-Line Extension, Eastside Transit Corridor Phase II, and the Sepulveda Transit Corridor.

Lindholm is a 24-year LACMTA veteran and experienced in project management, construction management, design and engineering, alternative delivery contracts, operations, government finance and strategic planning. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and a State of California Professional Geologist.

“Tim’s expertise in alternative project delivery methods, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning has been pivotal in driving Metro [LACMTA] forward,” LACMTA CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “We congratulate him on this well-deserved role and look forward to his continued leadership. I am confident that his vision and dedication will lead to even greater achievements for the agency.”

Separately, LACMTA recently authorized entering into a Joint Development Agreement with NOHO Development Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Trammel Crow Company (TCC) and High Street Residential (TCC’s subsidiary), to build and operate an 11.8-acre development with mixed-income housing, retail, office, and open space at the Metro North Hollywood Station. Additionally, the Board approved the expenditure of an additional $39.6 million to support transportation system and mobility improvements, highway operational improvements, and transit investments in the South Bay subregion of Los Angeles.

HDR

Rachel Bernhard has been promoted to Director of Value Engineering and Project Risk Management at HDR, an Omaha, Neb.-based design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. Based in Olympia, Wash., she will lead the firm’s value engineering and risk professionals as they work with clients to identify project risks and alternatives that add value through improved performance, cost savings or both. 

A key part of that effort is project workshops such as HDR’s cost risk assessment and value engineering, value engineering, or cost and schedule risk analysis workshops. Bernhard has led or been a team member of more than 130 such workshops for agencies and municipalities across North America. “For example, as part of recent work for one state DOT, Bernhard led a value engineering team that identified 15 alternatives on a $573 million highway project,” HDR reported. “Led by Bernhard, the team identified more than $50 million in cost savings opportunities, and it improved performance by 54% by combining several recommendations into a more comprehensive value engineering strategy.”

Prior to joining the firm’s Value Engineering and Risk Group, Bernhard was a designer for numerous local and national roadway and stormwater projects and was a construction inspector for rail and water projects.

“Rachel’s engaging energy, leadership qualities, and her technical experience as a certified value specialist make her an excellent fit for this role,” HDR Advisory Services Director Janet González Tudor said. “Value engineering is a critical tool for infrastructure owners and the experience of Rachel and our team will provide valuable assistance as agencies move forward community-changing projects and programs.”

In a related development, HDR recently elevated Katie Caskey to Transportation Strategic Communications Director.