CHSRA expands executive team

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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California High-Speed Rail Authority

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has announced the appointment of Joseph Hedges as its new chief operating officer and Pamela Mizukami as chief deputy director.  

 

The announcement follows the selection of Brian Kelly as the authority’s new chief executive officer last week, expanding CHSRA’s executive team as the project moves from the planning phase toward construction and delivery.

“I’m excited to welcome Joe and Pam to the High-Speed Rail leadership team. I made a commitment to the Board of Directors to bring in highly-qualified professionals to continue the transformation of the Authority from a planning organization to a strong project oversight and delivery organization. Joe and Pam have the necessary qualifications to help us get this done,” incoming CHSRA CEO Kelly said.

As COO, CHSRA said Hedges will oversee the construction and engineering elements of the high-speed rail program to ensure they are delivered to meet quality standards, budget and schedule throughout the project’s duration.

Hedges previously served the Washington Department of Transportation as program administrator of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. CHSRA said Hedges has more than three decades of experience in construction, engineering and project management in the private and public sectors.

He has served in various senior leadership capacities since retiring as captain from the U.S. Navy, Corps of Civil Engineers, CHSRA said. The position’s pay is $337,008.

As the chief deputy director, Mizukami will serve as chief advisor to the CEO relating to programmatic and administrative issues, CHSRA said. Mizukami has assisted the authority and the California State Transportation Agency in improving the CHSRA’s administrative functions, and she will oversee its internal and personnel operations.

Mizukami has served in various roles at the California Department of Motor Vehicles since 2006, most recently as deputy director, Administrative Services Division. The compensation for this position is $169,560.

CHSRA says that these appointments, along with the selection of Brian P. Kelly as CEO earlier this week, build upon a strong executive team to continue progress on construction of the first high-speed rail system in the nation.

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