STV
STV on July 25 announced that Kitts Christov has joined the firm as Senior Vice President and Midwest District Manager for the firm’s transportation south/central group.
In the newly created role of Midwest District Manager, Christov will “oversee and develop a district-specific strategy focused on fostering growth in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.” Christov will also lead business development efforts, “focusing on building new client relationships and expanding STV’s local service offerings to a region that continues to prioritize equitable and sustainable transportation infrastructure for its residents and economy.”
A resident of Chicago, Christov has served for the past 16 years on the advisory council for the City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes. Previously, she has served as a board member for the O’Hare Modernization Program with the Chicago Department of Aviation and executive board member for ACE Chicago.
Christov earned her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.
“With nearly two decades of experience and a robust background in strategic planning, operations, leadership and sales, Kitts adds a wealth of knowledge and deep relationships to our Midwest team,” said Jerry Stump, PE, President of the transportation south/central group at STV. “Some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. are in the Midwest and with Kitts helping lead the way, we are well positioned to continue growing our business and serving communities in this area.”
MBTA
MBTA on July 25 announced the appointment of Jeff Cook as the permanent Chief Administrative Officer and Alicia Gomes as the inaugural Executive Director of Light Rail.
“These appointments mark a pivotal moment for the MBTA,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Jeff Cook and Alicia Gomes both bring extensive experience and unwavering commitment to their roles and will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver safer, more reliable transit services for our riders. We look forward to their continued leadership and contributions in these positions within our organization.”
Cook, who has served as Acting Chief Administrative Officer for the past six months, joined the MBTA in 2018 as Chief Procurement and Contracts Administration Officer. In his role as CAO, Cook will continue supporting the General Manager in implementing new initiatives. Prior to the MBTA, Cook spent 28 years with Fidelity’s real estate division, holding positions including Vice President of International Operations and Global Risk. Under Cook’s leadership, the MBTA successfully renegotiated agreements with CRRC for new Red and Orange Line cars and with Cubic for AFC 2.0, enabling the introduction of contactless payment on August 1, 2024.
“I’m honored to continue serving the MBTA in this permanent capacity,” said Cook. “The MBTA is at a unique moment in time: with an experienced leader in General Manager Phil Eng, and a supportive administration in Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll as well as Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and the MBTA Board of Directors, not to mention an incredibly talented executive leadership team and workforce that truly believe and work diligently in furthering the MBTA’s mission.”
Gomes, as the first Executive Director of Light Rail in MBTA history, will oversee all aspects of the Green Line and Mattapan line, including safe operations and employees. Previously, all rapid transit lines; Red, Orange, Blue, Green and Mattapan, were under the oversight of one Executive Director. The Operations Division, MBTA says, “recognizes the need to separate these roles to better address the unique needs and operating environments of Heavy and Light Rail respectively.” With 17 years of experience at the MBTA, Gomes has progressed from a light rail Motor Person to roles including Chief Inspector, Division Chief of Light Rail Operations, and most recently, Chief Transportation Officer of Rail Operations.
“I’m very excited for this new role, and I’ve been working on the Green Line my entire career,” said Gomes. “Light rail is a unique system compared to the rest of the MBTA lines. I’m excited to be the first to be lead in this new role and help us carve an innovative future for it. Throughout my career at the MBTA, I’ve benefited from incredible leadership. Now, in this role, I hope to empower others just as I have been empowered. I’m extremely thankful.”
HNTB
HNTB on July 25 announced that Ryan Davis, PE, has joined the firm as Deputy Program Manager and Associate Vice President. Base in HNTB’s Los Angeles office, he will support teams on successfully delivering transportation programs.
“Ryan brings a unique and diverse skillset with his military background, which includes managing both design-build and design-bid-build construction projects,” said Joe Quitter, PE, PMP, Group Director and Vice President of the Los Angeles project management/construction management group. “He believes in collaborative leadership to drive creativity, innovation and success to benefit current and future projects.”
Davis has more than 25 years of experience in engineering management with a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. In that role, he led military personnel in and civilian staff in Navy public works and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command construction departments. Most recently, he worked on the LA Metro’s Westside Purple Line Extension, managing more than 50 subconsultant firms and 20 independent technical experts during advanced preliminary engineering and design support services during construction phases.
Davis received a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of Maryland. He also holds an MBA from Cornell and is a registered professional engineer.
“As our team of skilled professionals continues to grow, their enhanced skills and expertise allows us to bring exceptional service to our southern California clients,” said Yoga Chandran, PhD, PE, GE, HNTB’s Los Angeles Office Leader and Senior Vice President. “Ryan’s previous experience working with L.A. Metro provides a solid foundation for consistently delivering successful project outcomes.”
“Ryan’s proficiency in developing and managing budgets throughout the project lifecycle translates to enhanced cost-effectiveness, improved financial management and optimal resource utilization,” added HNTB Vice President Martin Ellwood, PE.
UP
UP on July 26 announced the appointment of Josh Perkes to Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, reporting directly to CEO Jim Vena effective Aug. 1. Perkes will be responsible for all human resources and labor relations functions and become a member of the company’s senior leadership team.
“Josh embodies the strength of talent and depth of experience within Union Pacific,” Vena said. “His 22 years of leadership across Marketing and Sales, Operating and Human Resources roles on the railroad make him the ideal leader to focus on the heartbeat of our company–developing and advancing our people.”
Perkes most recently served as Vice President-Loup Logistics, a wholly owned UP subsidiary providing innovative transportation and logistics solutions. He’s held leadership positions on Marketing and Sales’ Premium, Industrial, Bulk and Operations teams, as well as across Workforce Resources functions such as talent management, talent acquisition, employee engagement, training, compensation and benefits. He also spent time in field sales, logistics and operating as part of a cross-functional leadership training program. Perkes has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
President Beth Whited will serve as a chief advisor to Perkes in his new role, in addition to her responsibilities for Law, Strategy, External Relations, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.
As part of this announcement, UP also appointed new vice presidents for Loup Logistics and Corporate Strategy:
- Elise Gosch will succeed Perkes as Vice president-Loup Logistics, reporting to Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales. Gosch has been with UP for more than 20 years, most recently serving as Assistant Vice President-Corporate Strategy, where she has been instrumental in securing new business development opportunities. Her experience includes several leadership roles in Marketing and Sales, including Assistant Vice President-Intermodal Sales and general director-Commercial Strategy.
- Jeff Pincock is appointed Vice President-Strategy and Corporate Development, reporting to Whited. He previously served as Assistant Vice President-Corporate Development. Pincock has been with UP for two years and joined the railroad after 17 years in numerous corporate development roles at Ford Motor Company.
Perkes’ leadership team will include:
- Tonya Eggspuehler is appointed Vice President-Organizational Development and Total Rewards, Human Resources. She has more than 24 years of service, including Workforce Resources, Finance, and Marketing and Sales. Eggspuehler will lead the Compensation, Benefits, Organizational Development, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Resources Business Partner teams. She previously served as Assistant Vice President, Human Resources.
- Polly Harris is appointed Vice President-Culture and HR Operations, overseeing the Training, Health and Medical, and Diversity and Inclusion teams. Harris is an 18-year UP employee whose leadership has spanned all parts of human resources at the railroad, in addition to prior roles at Conagra and John Deere.
- Maqui Parkerson, Vice President-Labor Relations, has more than 22 years of rail industry experience. She joined UP in 2021 after holding executive level roles at Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern.
“We have a strong bench of talent across the railroad,” Vena said. “Today’s announcements are an acknowledgement of our legacy of building strong leaders with deep experience from across all parts of the railroad and transportation industry.”
