People on the move: HDR, STV, INIT, Forest River Transit

New appointments and changes in leadership have been made by HDR, STV, Innovations in Transportation, Inc. (INIT) and Forrest Transit. 

HDR 

HDR has appointed Cameron Schaefer, P.E., its transportation technology director as the agency works to advance the use of technology to drive efficiency, innovation and quality in the development and delivery of transportation infrastructure.  

During his 15 years at HDR, Schaefer has pushed for technology integration and digital transformation to improve project delivery and outcomes. HDR notes that he has been a pivotal leader in bridging the gap between digital focused technologies such as building information modeling and geographic information systems, enhancing data integration with project controls and data acquisition and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence-driven tools.  

He has worked on high-profile projects like the Ontario Line subway, Los Angeles International Airport Automated People Mover and Link Union Station, which has utilized his ability to develop and translate cutting-edge digital tools into tangible benefits for both clients and project teams. A frequent presenter and recognized thought leader at industry conferences, he has been the recipient of industry recognitions from Esri, Bentley and Autodesk. 

“The demand for accelerated infrastructure improvements coupled with industrywide labor shortages has necessitated the need to innovate and work smarter,” said Schaefer. “Infrastructure projects generate and manage vast and varied datasets, 3D models, light detection and ranging, computer aided drafting files, traffic data, imagery and more, all of which have untapped potential for delivering insights. By connecting the data, we can optimize project delivery by identifying risks earlier, streamlining workflows and improving communications.” 

In his new role, Schaefer will shape and implement a robust technology vision for HDR’s transportation infrastructure practice. He will champion the development and application of digital-focused solutions that bring together AI, digital delivery, GIS, data management, automation and high-performance computing, including the identification of best practices and establishing technology standards to support program-wide training and quality deliverables. 

“Cameron’s expertise and vision will be crucial in developing consistent and successful delivery approaches, connecting people and projects with technology-related talent and driving our strategic plan goals for the next five to 10 years,” said HDR Transportation Professional Services Director Pat Hickox. “This appointment underscores our commitment to leveraging technology to empower our project teams to deliver cutting edge solutions for clients and better outcomes for our communities." 

STV 

As STV works to drive its 2023-2025 strategic plan, the company has promoted Marcos Díaz González to president of the company’s Transportation Northeast operating group, John Ponzio to executive vice president of STV’s Centers of Excellence and has brought on Garo Hovnanian as executive vice president of advisory services. All will report to STV CEO Greg Kelly, PE. 

In his new role, Díaz González will be responsible for STV’s transportation operations in the Northeast, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware – a region that is slated to receive nearly $1.5 trillion in federal investment for passenger rail improvements alone, according to STV.  

González will also oversee project execution across the region to drive client service and strategic growth. González brings more than 25 years of comprehensive experience in the AEC industry encompassing operations, project execution, program management and business development across multiple market sectors. Since joining STV in 2021, he supported the development of the firm’s Strategic Plan and streamlined operations for STV’s national practices.  

González is chair of the board of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York, past chair of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, vice chair of the Advisory Board of Columbia University’s Center for Buildings, Infrastructure and Public Spaces and an Advisory Board member of the Eno Center for Transportation in Washington, DC. He is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Engineering School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and a Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration from Yale University. 

“Marcos is known for building strong teams, mentoring the next generation of leaders and driving innovation to deliver better results for STV’s clients and our communities,” said Kelly. “He is exceptionally well-positioned to lead our transportation operations in the Northeast into its next phase of growth and client service excellence.” 

Ponzio succeeds Díaz González as executive vice president of STV’s Centers of Excellence, overseeing the firm’s specialized national practices including tunnels and geotech, project controls, systems, vehicles, maintenance facilities and mobility/intelligent transportation systems. He will focus on expanding these core practices while driving cross-collaboration and innovation among STV’s teams and clients. Ponzio has spent his entire 25-year career at STV, starting as a junior engineer and progressing to lead the systems, vehicles and maintenance facilities teams. He has provided oversight for rail and transit projects for the majority of transit agencies throughout the U.S. and currently serves on an advisory board at the Penn State, Harrisburg, Capital College’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology.  

Ponzio earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. 

“John has consistently demonstrated the ability to grow our business while maintaining the highest technical standards and client service,” Kelly added. “We are proud of the exceptional career he has developed at STV and are excited to watch him continue to elevate our company and our people in this new leadership role.” 

Hovnanian joins STV from McKinsey & Company’s Capital Excellence practice as the firm’s new executive vice president for Advisory Services. In this newly created role, Hovnanian oversees STV’s aviation, digital advisory, planning, infrastructure economics, cities initiative, zero emissions, sustainable design, resilience and program management teams. With more than 20 years of experience in the AEC industry, he has a proven track record of growing infrastructure advisory practices and helping clients navigate industry challenges, including talent shortages, technology adoption and contract and process innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Princeton University and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. 

“Garo’s understanding of the motivations, strategies, strengths and weaknesses of each stakeholder in the construction ecosystem gives him the unique insights needed to provide exceptional advisory services and help clients deliver transformative projects for communities,” said Kelly. “We are excited to welcome him to STV as we expand our upstream services.” 

INIT 

INIT’s new leadership team officially took over on Jan. 1, 2025.   

Carl Commons, former INIT chief sales officer, has taken over as the company’s CEO. INIT says Commons is a seasoned transit professional with 17 years with the company and 25 years of expertise managing sales, customer service and technical teams.  

Andy Singh, former COO East, was appointed as INIT president and COO. Singh recently celebrated 6 years with INIT, serving as director of engineering and then moving into the role of COO. INIT notes Singh’s deep technical knowledge and passion for operational quality has driven significant improvements across teams and projects, positioning the company for continued growth and success under his leadership. 

“Our focus is steadfast on delivering solutions that enhance public transportation while creating greater synergy for our customers, employees and partners to thrive,” said President and Chief Operations Officer Andy Singh. 

INIT has also promoted Eric Linxweiler, formerly INIT's COO for the Western region, to the newly created role of chief customer officer. In this role, Linxweiler’s 27 years of senior leadership positions, including 9 years with INIT, will prove valuable as he focuses on building stronger connections with customers, notes INIT.  

Also moving into a new role is Scott Walsh, former INIT senior director of business development, who will take on the job of executive director of sales and marketing. Walsh has more than 25 years of transit experience and 10 years at INIT. Having served in multiple technical and managerial roles over the years, Scott brings a proven record of driving growth and strengthening customer relationships.     

INIT says the new leaders will help to oversee the expansion of the company’s manufacturing facilities dedicated to U.S.-made products as well as reinforce its commitment to innovation and sustainability.  

“These investments not only enhance our ability to serve North American customers but also strengthen our role as a trusted industry leader,” said INIT CEO Carl Commons. 

Forest River Transit 

Forest River Transit will be led by co-CEOs and a chief financial officer, following the passing of founder and CEO Pete Liegl in November. The newly created positions will allow the company to address the needs of its diverse business divisions, Forest River said in a release. 

The new management team: 

• Doug Gaeddert, co-CEO 
• David Wright, co-CEO 
• Darrel Ritchie, chief financial officer 

Together, the three will co-manage the overall strategic direction of Forest River, with Gaeddert directly running the RV division and Wright directly running the commercial, bus & van and marine divisions. 

“Pete’s vision and dedication were fundamental to Forest River’s growth and success,” a joint statement said. “As we move forward, we are confident that the strong foundation he built will continue to inspire and guide us.” 

While this leadership structure marks a new phase for Forest River, the company said it is built upon decades of experience, deep industry knowledge and a shared commitment to Forest River’s people, culture, values and mission. The continuity will enhance Forest River’s ability to meet the needs of our customers, dealers and employees effectively with little disruption.