Alstom
Alstom announced Feb. 13 that it is donating to the American Red Cross to support wildfire response and recovery efforts “amid the devastating loss of life and major disruptions caused by damage to and loss of homes, businesses, and public spaces where Alstom employees and its customers live and work. The donations will support people affected by the wildfires in California in early 2025.
Alstom has more than 400 employees in California, supporting its customer sites in the state, as well as colleagues nationwide who have family and loved ones in the state. In Southern California, Alstom is involved in the development of Los Angeles International Airport’s Automated People Mover (APM) system. Alstom has been Metrolink’s maintenance provider for the past 18 years, and later this year will also begin providing operations services for the southern California regional rail system. Additionally, Alstom is overhauling light rail vehicles for LA Metro.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California,” said Dani Simons, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Alstom Americas. “Each day our employees set out to create products and offer services that help fight climate change, but tragically its impacts are already all around us and growing in severity. We are thankful to the firefighters, first responders, and all those supporting response and recovery efforts.”
“The American Red Cross, our volunteers and partners continue to work round the clock to deliver comfort and care to communities impacted by the wildfires in California,” said Doreen Thomann Howe, regional CEO, American Red Cross of Greater New York. “We are so grateful to Alstom for their generous donation, which enables us to continue to be there for weeks and months to come to support families on their recovery journey.”
STV
Liz Justison, PE, PMP, President of STV’s Transportation West group, was recently named to the APTA Board of Directors. She will serve alongside industry leaders on the 2024-2025 board.
“As a lifelong Muni, BART and AC Transit rider and a civil engineer who has dedicated my career to transportation, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact APTA has made on the industry,” Justison said. “I am truly honored to join APTA’s Board of Directors, particularly as the association advocates for sustainable, innovative transportation solutions. Their future-focused approach to transportation infrastructure, from mobility tech to zero emissions, is helping to advance our industry and open more job opportunities.”
Justison has more than 25 years of experience in the transportation industry, helping agencies solve complex infrastructure challenges that benefit local communities throughout the West region. Hailing from California, Justison lives and works in the Bay Area and boasts expertise in infrastructure delivery, policy development, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), tolling operations and rail infrastructure projects. She earned a Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental engineering from Lafayette College.
“Public transportation is both a vital service, connecting millions of people to jobs, home and more – it also has a tangible economic impact,” Justison said. “I’m proud to join APTA in its mission of advocacy, mentorship and networking to better serve the communities who rely on transit every day.”
As President of STV’s Transportation West group, Justison leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects, and other professionals working on transportation projects across the western United States, including California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona. “An industry leader, Justison drives growth, strengthens strategic partnerships and drives successful project delivery on regional transportation programs,” STV said.
HNTB
HNTB announced Feb. 13 that it has been recognized with the 2025 Grand Conceptor Award by the ACEC of Florida for its work on the Brightline Florida East-West Connector project. The ACEC Florida Grand Conceptor Award is given to the year’s most outstanding engineering achievement in Florida. HNTB provided final design and program management on the project.
HNTB partnered with Brightline Florida to deliver the East-West Connector, a private intercity passenger railroad system spanning 38 route miles between Cocoa, Fla., and Orlando International Airport. The infrastructure project provided the final link between Miami and Orlando and included the design and construction of 32 new bridges, grading and drainage systems, communications and signal layouts, and utility relocations. The project opened to passengers in September 2023.
“We are honored to have partnered with Brightline Florida on the East-West Connector project,” said George Gilhooley, HNTB’s East Florida Office Leader and Senior Vice President. “Brightline’s vision for a connected Florida has transformed the state. We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this project to life.”
“The East-West Connector is an essential transportation link, providing sustainable, efficient travel from Miami to Orlando,” said John Hornbeck, HNTB’s Project Director for the East-West Connector. “We are thrilled to have a positive impact on the communities where we work and live.”
The ACEC Florida Grand Conceptor Award was presented during a banquet on Feb. 7, 2025, in Orlando.
