RPA Welcomes New California HSR CEO, Congratulates Brian Kelly

For Immediate Release (24-8)
Contact: M. Ned Butler (mbutler@narprail.org)

Washington, DC - The Rail Passengers Association warmly welcomed incoming California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri, named today by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and also congratulated departing CEO Brian Kelly for his extraordinary leadership during the past six years.

“Gov. Newsom made a smart choice with Ian Choudri, who brings three decades of broad experience in high-speed projects across the globe, coupled with expertise in complex capital project management and development,” said Rail Passengers Association President and CEO Jim Mathews.

Choudri’s resume includes senior leadership roles at infrastructure specialist HNTB, work on high-speed projects in Spain and France, and practical understanding of bringing projects together in California’s unique financial and regulatory environment thanks to his work with the San Bernadino County Transportation Authority to connect Ontario Airport passengers to the future Brightline West terminal in Rancho Cucamonga.

“This is also a great time to acknowledge Brian Kelly’s crucial leadership in re-setting the CAHSR effort at a time when its future might well have been in serious doubt,” Mathews continued. “The California project is the most audacious and ambitious rail development program in the U.S., a high-risk/high-reward project that is already beginning to transform California. Brian combined practicality, decisiveness, and bold vision to make a genuine difference in the trajectory of high-speed rail in the U.S.”

Rail Passengers enjoyed working with Brian and his talented team at CAHSR, and looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Choudri as he helps move this project into its next stage.

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About the Rail Passengers Association

With some 126,000 members, donors, and supporters nationwide, the Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization serving as a voice for the more than 40 million rail passengers in the U.S. Our mission is to improve and expand conventional intercity and regional passenger train services, support higher speed rail initiatives, increase connectivity among all forms of transportation, and ensure safety for our country's trains and passengers. All of this makes communities safer, more accessible, and more productive, improving the lives of everyone who lives, works, and plays in towns all across America.