HNTB
HNTB announced Jan. 8 that Alexis Howland has joined the infrastructure solutions firm as a Supervising Transportation Planner, bringing more than 10 years of specialized expertise in intercity passenger and commuter rail planning initiatives.
Howland specializes in quantitative-based transit planning projects. She has experience analyzing potential rail network configurations, estimating transit ridership demand, developing service plan options, quantifying the economic impact of train delays, developing station master plans and evaluating rail infrastructure requirements. Previously, she worked as a Senior Transportation Planner at another consulting firm.
“Alexis has a strong background in city planning and a proven track record in managing complex transportation projects,” said Jeremy Colello, HNTB Pennsylvania Office Leader and Vice President. “Her skills and experience will continue to enhance our delivery of innovative and efficient transportation solutions.”
Howland has worked on essential projects for Amtrak along the Northeast Corridor and elsewhere in the Midwest and Southeast U.S. Most recently, she worked closely with Amtrak to support projects aimed at expanding passenger rail capacity into and through New York City as part of the Gateway Program.
“Alexis has a unique combination of technical expertise, policy know-how and industry insight that will be invaluable to the work we deliver to our clients,” said HNTB Planning Department Manager Chris Jandoli. “Her experience and dedication will continue to help clients innovate and modernize their systems, networks and operations.”
Howland holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Brown University and a Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
PRPA
PRPA announced Jan. 8 that Anita Anand, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada, has confirmed the appointment of JJ Ruest as a new addition to its Board of Directors.
Ruest is a seasoned private sector executive with more than four decades of experience in transportation, logistics, international trade, and chemical manufacturing. Recognized as an expert in freight rail, intermodal, and port sectors, he most notably served as CEO, President, and Chief Marketing Officer at CN.
In 2021, Ruest received the Railroad Innovator Award and was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame in 2017. He holds a degree in Applied Chemistry from the University of Sherbrooke, an MBA in Marketing from HEC University of Montreal, and completed an Executive Business program at the University of Michigan. His three-year term commenced December 17, 2024.
“I warmly welcome JJ and congratulate him on joining our Board,” said Peter Lantin, Board Chair, PRPA Board of Directors. “JJ’s extensive background and prior role in the commercial development of the Port of Prince Rupert will be a tremendous asset to PRPA during this next crucial chapter for growth and diversification at our Gateway.”
“Congratulations to JJ Ruest on his appointment to the Prince Rupert Port Authority Board of Directors. JJ’s leadership and expertise in transportation and logistics will support the growth of the Prince Rupert gateway, strengthening Canada’s global trade connections. We wish him success in this role,” CN wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Ruest is a User Appointee and was put forward by the Port User Nominating Committee. PRPA’s Board of Directors is comprised of seven people. Three of the Board members are appointed directly by each level of government—municipal, provincial, and federal—while the balance is appointed by the federal government in consultation with the Port User Nominating Committee. Board members are appointed for a term of no more than three years with a maximum tenure of three terms.
More information about PRPA’s Board of Directors is available here.
