William D. Kennedy, an expert on tunnel ventilation instrumental in the development of tunnel ventilation systems for road and rail tunnels worldwide, died on June 23. During a 46-year career with Parsons Brinckerhoff, Kennedy, a vice president and senior engineering manager, participated in the development of tunnel ventilation systems for public transit systems around the world.
Linda Somilleda, director of customer service and operations at Foothill Transit in West Covina, Calif., died of complications resulting from treatment of a rare disease on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Somilleda joined Foothill Transit in 1996 as the agency's marketing and communications specialist and quickly advanced to associate director of marketing and communications and then finally to director in 2002.
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced the appointment of Channel Sumpter as director of Audits. Sumpter is responsible for reviewing and examining all fiscal aspects for the MTA. For the past 13 years Sumpter served as an auditor in the state government.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Bradford as director of Marketing in the authority's Division of Public and Government Affairs.
David Dye, P.E., has been named vice president and senior program director for HNTB's program delivery practice. Dye will manage program delivery projects across HNTB infrastructure markets.
José Viegas has taken office as secretary-general of the International Transport Forum. Viegas joins the International Transport Forum from an internationally recognized career as an academic and consultant.
Sefac Inc. has appointed Paul Jaeger as regional sales manager. He will be located in the Pacific Northwest. Jaeger will be working with both existing users of Sefac mobile lifts and pursuing new opportunities in the Northwest.
Stertil-Koni announced that Rand D. Johnson has joined the company as sales manager for GSA and U.S. Military customers. Johnson brings a comprehensive background combining sales, electronics, hydraulics and extensive U.S. Military service.
Systra announced Adrienne Taylor has joined the company as the new VP, Client Relations - West Coast. Taylor has more than 25 years of railroad transportation experience in the western United States.
Michael Arrow, P.E., has recently been appointed assistant general manager of Maintenance and Technology for First Transit, at its Connecticut Transit (CTTransit) operations. Arrow will be responsible for maintenance operations at the state-owned bus transit facilities, a fleet of nearly 420 vehicles, as well as several ongoing technology projects. FirstGroup America announced the appointment of Thomas J. Harris to vice president, Safety and Human Resources for its First Transit and First Services division.
URS Corp. has named Robert J. Vensas, P.E., vice president and office manager for its Infrastructure & Environment Division's Michigan operations. URS Corp. named John J. Plezbert business development director in the Chicago office of the company's Infrastructure & Environment Division.
Bob Paddon, executive vice president, Strategic Planning and Public Affairs, TransLink (Vancouver), has been elected chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA). Paddon came to TransLink in 2001 from Metro Vancouver.
Doosan Infracore America announced the appointment of Jamie Cressman as general sales manager for its North American Engine division. In this position Cressman is responsible for engine sales in North America. Cressman joined Doosan Infracore in June 2012 and was previously Southeastern regional sales manager for BAE Systems.
Arboc Specialty Vehicles announced the appointment of Chris Ward as bid administrator. Ward has an extensive engineering background as manufacturing coordinator and structural engineer.
Veolia Transportation announced the appointment of Steve New as vice president, Business Development in Canada. He will focus on business opportunities in both transit and rail.
Paul Skoutelas has been appointed director of Parsons Brinckerhoff's (PB) Transit & Rail Technical Excellence Center (TEC). Skoutelas will provide leadership and strategic direction to the TEC with a focus on growing the firm's transit and rail business, enhancing marketing capabilities and strengthening client relationships. Alexander King has been named a consultant in the strategic consulting group of PB. King will be responsible for developing freight and goods movement studies, rail plans, corridor plans, intermodal feasibility studies, grant applications and passenger rail service development plans. Brock LaForty has been named area manager of the Charlotte, N.C., office of PB. LaForty will be responsible for overseeing the firm's operations throughout the Charlotte region. Lillian Hames has been named an assistant deputy program director on PB's program management team for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA).
