Keolis names Vonashek chief safety, security officer for MBTA

Keolis Commuter Services has named Justin Vonashek chief safety, security, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance officer for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter-rail contract.

Vonashek joins Keolis after holding multiple positions at Metra, where most recently he was director of regulatory compliance. Last year, Progressive Railroading named Vonashek a "Rising Star" in the railroad industry.

"Justin’s extensive experience with Metra makes him extremely well qualified to assume this important position overseeing safety, security, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance for the MBTA commuter-rail system," said Gerald Francis, acting general manager for Keolis Commuter Services in Boston.

Keolis will assume operation of MBTA's commuter-rail service in July.