California high-speed rail agency taps Kelly as CEO

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has named Brian Kelly chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1.

Kelly succeeds Jeff Morales, who left the job in early summer. Kelly has served as secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) since it was created in 2013.

As secretary, Kelly led efforts to enact Senate Bill 1, which marked the single largest investment in California's transportation infrastructure, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

Kelly also developed the United States' first regulations for testing and deploying autonomous vehicle technology.

"Brian has been a keen advocate for the development of high-speed rail as a core component of California’s future transportation networks," said CHSRA Chairman Dan Richard. "As a respected leader and skilled manager he will provide the right leadership as the project moves into the delivery and commercialization phase."

Prior to his appointment at CalSTA, Kelly served as chief transportation policy consultant for four successive Senate presidents in the California State Legislature.

Following Kelly's departure from CalSTA, California Gov. Jerry Brown has named Brian Annis acting secretary. Annis served as the agency's undersecretary since 2013.