HDR
Brian Buchanan, a seasoned leader in delivering complex transportation programs, has been named HDR’s Transit Program Management Lead.
Based in Columbia, S.C., Buchanan “will bring together knowledge and expertise from across HDR’s transit and program management practices to deliver multifaceted transit programs, including bus rapid transit, streetcars, commuter rail, light rail and heavy rail,” according to the firm.
Buchanan has years of experience leading major transit programs, including Project Connect, the first light rail program in Austin, Texas, and the $1.4 billion Phoenix Light Rail New Starts Project in Phoenix, Ariz. He has extensive experience with federal and local funding processes and requirements, managing large capital projects in multi-jurisdictional environments and strategic planning for the building of an organization. Before joining HDR in 2018, he spent nearly 15 years managing projects and planning for public agencies, gaining valuable perspective on the needs of transit systems.
“After 25 years in this business, what energizes me the most is working alongside clients and integrated teams to solve complex problems and deliver programs everyone can be proud of,” Buchanan said. “I’m looking forward to using this role to showcase the real value of program management—strong governance, clear decision-making, risk management and alignment across small and large transit programs.”
The transit program management practice that Buchanan will lead encompasses a wide range of services that HDR provides, including transportation program management, engineering design, project controls, and expertise in environmental, safety, utilities, architectural, systems, facilities, traffic engineering and other disciplines.
“Brian’s passion and outside-the-box thinking helps him achieve results and make him the right person to lead HDR’s transit program management practice,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “His ability to bring structure to complex environments and projects will be a great asset to our clients.”
NCTD
NCTD has promoted Ioni Tcholakova to Director of Service Planning, effective immediately. In this role, she will oversee service planning efforts to support NCTD’s mission “to provide safe, reliable, and innovative transportation services.”
Tcholakova joined NCTD in 2021 as a Transit Planner and has since been promoted to Senior Transit Planner and Manager of Service Planning. During her time at NCTD, she has led planning efforts for major service changes, conducted complex route and Geographic Information System (GIS) analyses, coordinated stakeholder engagement for NCTD+ micro transit services, and managed multiple Caltrans-funded planning initiatives focused on access, safety, and mobility.
“Ioni is dedicated to improving the region’s transit services, and we’re fortunate to have her on our team,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer, Shawn M. Donaghy. “Her leadership has already shaped key service improvements and planning initiatives, and we are excited to see her continue to advance NCTD’s vision in this expanded role.”
Prior to joining NCTD, Tcholakova served as a Mobility Solutions Coordinator with the County of Hawai’i, where she supported early-stage zero-emission bus planning and developed the county’s first General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS).
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of Service Planning and to continue supporting thoughtful, responsible, and community-focused service planning at NCTD,” said Tcholakova. “As both a planner and a transit rider, I’m committed to designing services that improve access and support the daily lives of our riders.”
Tcholakova holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Ocean Sciences from the University of San Diego. She is a LEED Green Associate and holds a Transit and Paratransit Management Certificate from the University of the Pacific.
