Parsons Brinckerhoff SVP to head California rail project

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has appointed Jeff Morales as its new CEO. He is currently a senior vice president at Parsons Brinckerhoff Americas and prior to that has worked in senior positions in several public sector transport authorities.

CHSRA Board chairman Dan Richard said, "Jeff Morales is exactly the right person to take the helm at this pivotal time and capitalise on the positive momentum that has built up over the last several months/ The Board was deeply impressed by his extensive experience in large complex transportation issues and projects on the local, state, federal and international levels. He has a solid track record of creativity and innovation in the delivery of on-time, on-budget infrastructure projects.

As well as his work with Parson's Brinckerhoff, Mr Morales has previously worked as director of the California Department of Transportation, where he managed a US$ 10 billion investment programme. He is also a former executive director of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and has served on various national-level government groups and commissions.

The CHSRA is a state-level government body responsible for the proposed high-speed rail link between San Francisco and Los Angeles