HDR
HDR on April 8 announced that experienced public affairs and government relations leader Bridget Hennessey has joined the firm as a Senior Strategic Communications Consultant focused on the public transportation industry.
Based in Irvine, Calif., Hennessey will “help transit clients plan and execute strategic communication strategies to advance key public transportation programs and drive successful outcomes,” according to HDR. She will work with executives and other leaders at public transportation agencies to “support capital planning and program funding, infrastructure development and delivery, and operational decisions through the development and facilitation of effective communication and engagement strategies.”
Hennessey comes to HDR with more than 20 years of experience across North America leading advocacy campaigns, championing organizational priorities and developing effective communications strategies. As Chief of Staff/Intergovernmental Affairs Officer for San Diego’s North County Transit District (NCTD), Hennessey worked with the agency’s executive leadership to implement a marketing campaign that boosted ridership and worked with the local congressional delegation to secure discretionary funding for capital projects. Prior to joining NCTD, she worked for multiple firms as a transit advocate to advance clients’ priorities and legislative objectives, including APTA’s Center for Transportation Excellence where she helped support ballot initiatives across the U.S.
“I am excited to join HDR because I am passionate about working on projects that improve our communities and enhance quality of life,” said Hennessey. “I look forward to contributing my experience in strategic communications, community outreach and public affairs to help see these projects succeed and have a meaningful impact.”
She joins a team of more than 200 employees in HDR’s strategic communications practice and 5,000 transportation professionals dedicated to improving mobility and transportation infrastructure across the globe.
“I’ve worked with Bridget in the past and know firsthand what a difference she can make on a team,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker. “Her leadership, public affairs expertise and deep understanding of the challenges of the transit industry make her an exceptional resource for our clients as they navigate today’s fast-paced environment and growing need for safe, reliable and efficient public transportation.”
PTSI Transportation
PTSI Transportation on April 12 announced the recent passing of its Senior Advisor (Emeritus), Theodore O. “Ted” Haas. He was 103.
Haas was a long-time railroader, having started with the Pennsylvania Railroad, and worked his way through the ranks of that railroad, and successors Penn Central and Conrail,, to Director – Passenger Rates and Tariffs. He later served as Administrative Manager of PTSI Transportation, running the Rosemont, Pa., office and in addition, teaching economics at the University of Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in development of the Burlington Northern Railroad commuter tariffs and advised on fares and fare structures. He was an expert in the theory and practice of fare divisions, a former mandate of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
Haas was familiar to many northeastern commuters and intercity passengers as his signature appeared on all passenger tickets up to his retirement. In retirement, he enjoyed participation in book clubs, in inventions (he held several patents), and was a member of the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society, Philadelphia Chapter.
He lived for many years in Haverford, Pa., and was active in promoting rail passenger travel, and his frequent e-mails to any and all took strong political and other views.
Haas was a widower, but enjoyed many years with his second wife, Edwina. Besides Edwina (Eddye), he is survived by his son Eric and significant other Brenda Trinidad, daughter Sandra Binford and husband Tim, and son Jeffrey and wife Joy.
Evertak
Composite railroad tie manufacturer Evertrak on April 14 announced the appointment of David Connell to its Tie Transformation Team.
Connell brings more than 40 years of railroad operations and infrastructure management experience. He previously served as Vice President of Engineering at UP, where he oversaw the design, construction, and maintenance of North America’s largest railway networks.
“David has been a champion of composite railroad infrastructure solutions since their first introduction three decades ago,” said Evertak Founder and CEO Tim Noonan. “His extensive background in track materials innovation, infrastructure management, and strategic engineering leadership will be invaluable as we continue to transform the railroad tie industry with our environmentally sustainable GFRP composite alternatives that outperform traditional wooden ties.”
During his tenure at UP, Connell established himself as an industry leader in embracing alternative track materials, new track inspection technologies, infrastructure management systems, and improved derailment cause finding processes. His appointment “significantly enhances Evertrak’s technical expertise as the company continues to expand its production capabilities through its recently announced partnership with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA),” the company said.
“The time is now to accelerate the transformation of the railroad tie infrastructure across much of North America’s 140,000-mile network,” said Connell. “Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges that traditional wooden ties present in high-rot regions, where they can fail in less than 12 years despite creosote treatment. Over the last 30 years, I have seen many attempts to optimize the design and performance of composite ties. The Evertrack tie checks all the boxes. Their GFRP composite ties are engineered to last up to 50 years while meeting all AREMA standards, dramatically reducing lifecycle costs and environmental impact. I’m excited to join the only AAR M-1003 certified manufacturer in the composite tie segment at this pivotal moment in rail infrastructure modernization.”
Connell’s appointment comes as Evertrak continues to gain momentum with Class I railroads, having successfully installed more than 100,000 composite ties with zero claims reported. The company’s manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Mo., produces ties that sequester 180 million pounds of plastic annually and save 250,000 mature hardwood trees from deforestation at their current production rate.
