People on the move: CPCS, HNTB Corporation, Optibus

New appointments and changes in leadership have been made by CPCS, HNTB Corporation and Optibus. 

CPCS 

CPCS has brought on Ian Griffiths to serve as transit practice lead for its U.S. markets. Griffiths co-founded the transportation not-for-profit Seamless Bay Area in 2018, a public transit policy research and advocacy organization dedicated to transforming the San Francisco Bay Area’s transit systems into a more customer-focused, integrated network.  

Currently he serves as an independent subject matter expert on California’s Transit Transformation Task Force. As a part of the task force, Griffiths collaborates to develop policy recommendations to grow transit ridership and improve the experience of transit across the state.   

“Transit agencies across North America are at a crossroads, due in part to the disruption of the pandemic,” Griffiths said. “Commute focused services have struggled most to recover ridership, meanwhile regions with integrated, flexible, frequent networks have been the most resilient and successful in rebuilding ridership. I’m excited to join CPCS’s global team of experts at a time where the shift toward more seamless, customer-focused transit networks is so essential – assisting public agencies in making the case for sustained investment in transit.” 

Griffiths also brings years of public sector experience on a range of transportation policy, capital planning, station access, wayfinding and customer experience projects from prior roles at Metrolinx in Toronto and at the Bay Area Rapid Transit. 

Griffiths was recognized as one of Mass Transit magazine’s 40 under 40 in 2021.  

HNTB 

Maureen Marshall, PMP, has joined HNTB Corporation as project director, bringing more than 25 years of expertise in project management, transportation engineering, clean energy solutions and advanced mobility technologies. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Maureen to our team,” said Sarah Lee, HNTB’s Ohio office leader and vice president. “Her proven track record in providing fiscal, strategic, technical and operational leadership in the transportation industry will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and support the impactful work of our clients.” 

In her new role, Marshall will work closely with clients and project teams to accelerate innovative programs focused on advanced mobility and clean energy solutions. 

“Maureen’s technical expertise and organizational skills will be instrumental for us as we continue to support clients and implement advanced mobility and electric vehicle infrastructure,” said Katie Zehnder, technology department leader, HNTB. “Her dynamic experience managing large, diverse teams will add value to our growing practice.” 

Marshall’s career encompasses leadership in clean transportation across all vehicle segments, including pioneering innovative mobility solutions. This includes managing technology projects, overseeing design, planning, procurement and deployment activities for both public and private sector clients nationwide. 

Prior to joining HNTB, Marshall served as a midwest regional director at a clean energy nonprofit, where she worked with the private and public sectors on the development of dual-use high efficiency vehicle technologies.  

Optibus 

Optibus has named Sharad Agarwal as managing director, North America. Agarwal will spearhead Optibus’ business growth across the United States and Canada. 

Agarwal brings more than two decades of experience across the transportation industry, including charter coach, bus manufacturing, public transportation and shared autonomous vehicles. His expertise in new technologies led to leadership roles at First Transit (now Transdev) and EasyMile, while also joining as an advisor and board member for new mobility startups and organizations.  

“Sharad’s understanding of and experience in both the public transportation and technology sectors makes him the ideal person to lead Optibus in one of our most important markets. With Sharad at the helm in North America, Optibus is well-positioned to help cities and operators meet the demands of the future and deliver more reliable, efficient services for all,” said Amos Haggiag, CEO and co-founder, Optibus. 

Agarwal joins us as the former CEO and co-founder of his own AI-driven start-up, bringing with him his mission to promote the circular economy and resilient, sustainable urban environments.  

"Optibus’ technology is uniquely positioned to help agencies and operators across North America to create a positive impact on their community, operation, employees and the environment. I am thrilled to be joining the team and to advance the company’s mission of making it easier to offer more sustainable, reliable public transportation services," Agarwal said.