People news from SFMTA, LOSSAN and PTSI Transportation

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) board announced that Julie Kirschbaum will lead the SFMTA as its permanent director of transportation. Kirschbaum has been serving as acting director since Jan. 1. Since the system faces significant fiscal challenges, Kirschbaum’s focus on accountability and record of results make her the best person to lead the system, SFMTA officials said in a press release. Kirschbaum brings two decades of transportation experience to the role, most recently leading the SFMTA’s largest division as director of transit from 2018 to 2024.

The board of Los Angeles–San Diego–San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service, has selected Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung to serve as chair and Paso Robles Councilmember Fred Strong to serve as vice chair in 2025. Jung is a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), which appointed him as a LOSSAN board member in January 2023. He previously served as LOSSAN's vice chair. Strong has served in numerous civic roles and board positions. He represents the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments on LOSSAN's board.

PTSI Transportation announced its senior adviser Brian Rosenwald died Feb. 19. He was 72. Rosenwald began his rail career in 1973 at Amtrak and rose through the ranks until reaching the role of vice president. He retired from Amtrak in 2013. Recently, he was senior adviser-passenger service at PTSI, where he helped develop a luxury tour train product; he had participated in the development of a similar product in China. He also was a known wine merchant and educator. Rosenwald is survived by his friend and former wife Susan Hinda Rosenwald, two children and several grandchildren, according to a PTSI press release.