California high-speed rail agency names Post, Rodriguez to leadership roles

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) late last week appointed Thomas Post director of engineering.

In the role, Post will ensure that all engineering elements of the state's high-speed rail program are delivered within scope, quality standards, budget and schedule, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

He joins the authority from Jacobs Engineering Group, where he was operations manager for the firm's Northern California infrastructure portfolio.

Post has more than 34 years of experience in transportation and construction, including 18 years with the California Department of Transportation and 16 working for private engineering and consulting firms. His start date with CHSRA is Sept. 18.

"The addition of Thomas as the director of engineering to the high-speed rail program will provide essential knowledge and expertise as we continue our transition from planning to delivery of the nation's first high-speed rail system," said CHSRA Interim Chief Executive Officer Thomas Fellenz. "His experience with major infrastructure projects in both the private and public sector will be invaluable."

Meanwhile, CHSRA named Alice Rodriguez deputy director of external affairs. She'll be responsible for stakeholder outreach and strengthening relationships with communities near the project's alignment.

For the last two years, Rodriguez has served as the agency's small business advocate. That job involved managing the development and implementation of a program to ensure that 30 percent of high-speed rail work goes to small business.

She has more than 12 years of state experience in public outreach and stakeholder engagement, including seven years with CaliforniaVolunteers. She begins her new role with CHSRA today.