CapMetro
CapMetro President and CEO Dottie Watkins on July 22 announced that Eric Robins has been officially approved as Police Chief of the Austin-based transit authority, according to KXAN, an NBC affiliate. Robins was selected in June 2022, after the CapMetro Board signed off on the creation of an in-house police department, the media outlet reported. That department is slated to launch in fiscal year 2025, with 12 officers employed in its first year.
“Born and raised in Houston, Robins has worked in law enforcement for over 30 years,” according to KXAN, which noted that he served most recently as Chief of Police in Sugar Land, Tex.
“Once the transit department is officially in operation, officials noted CapMetro will continue working with the Austin Police Department and other partner agencies during major events or larger-scale situations,” KXAN said. “CapMetro currently hires off-duty APD officers who help respond to situations involving CapMetro facilities. Alongside its upcoming transit police force, CapMetro’s public safety program [already] includes public safety ambassadors and intervention specialists.”
CapMetro covers 549 square miles and a population of 1,359,992 people. It includes the following services: Commuter Rail, Bus, Express, Rapid, Night Owl, CapMetro Bikeshare, Pickup, University of Texas Shuttles, Access, Vanpool, and Freight Rail (162 miles between Giddings and Llano).
HNTB
Infrastructure firm HNTB has appointed Carey Wilson as Senior Project Director and Vice President, providing leadership and solutions to transportation clients and addressing infrastructure improvement needs. Wilson, based in Denver, is working with clients throughout Colorado, Utah, Washington and other western states.
With 25 years of progressive experience in planning, design, and construction of rail and highway projects across North America, Wilson’s clients have included public agencies, Class I and short line railroads, and industrial rail. She has handled alternative analysis to support NEPA, design of multi-discipline projects, construction support, and coordination with stakeholders. In addition to Wilson’s experience leading transportation projects, much of her background involves leadership roles focused on business development, staff development, project delivery, safety, and financial management, according to HNTB.
Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is a registered Professional Engineer in Colorado, California, Washington, Wyoming, Nevada, Wyoming and Louisiana.
“Carey’s demonstrated expertise in leading transit and railroad projects enables HNTB to significantly improve mobility within the communities we serve,” said Del Walker, HNTB Denver Office Leader and Vice President. “Her comprehensive perspective, gained from successfully working with innovative delivery models like design-build and construction manager/general contractor, ensures she quickly becomes a key asset in helping HNTB’s clients deliver critical transportation solutions.”
In related news, HNTB recently named Percival Buxhoeveden and Grace Tell as Project Directors.
CSX
CSX General Manager of Service Design Chantel Goutcher is celebrating 30 years of railroad service this month, the Class I announced July 22 in a special video profile posted on social media (watch it above).
Goutcher, who leads a team responsible for the operating plan for the CSX system, was selected for honorable mention in Railway Age’s 2023 Women in Rail awards program. According to CSX, her contributions across many roles have improved rail operations and customer service in multiple ways, often through the strategic use of advanced information technology and data analytics.
Goutcher has been “a key contributor to the transition from legacy-based car scheduling systems to the modernized systems that create trip plans for customer shipments,” CSX reported following the Railway Age award announcement. While serving as director of Total Service Integration, she worked closely with both the Operating and Sales and Marketing departments’ executive teams to improve the customer experience.
In the community, Goutcher has been the CSX Operations team leader for the Special Olympics of Northeast Florida Race for Inclusion, and she is a member of the Syracuse University Franklin Supply Chain Advisory Board. She previously served on the Board of the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council and is a member of the Bartram Trail Boosters Executive Board.
Separately, Railway Age and RT&S on Nov. 5-6 will hold the 2024 Women in Rail conference in Chicago. This is an opportunity to network with a diverse group of women and their allies as we discuss how railroaders can maintain the momentum of inclusion, build strong support networks, and take advantage of ever-broadening career opportunities.
