| What state leaders are saying about Roelof van Ark, the new CEO for the High-Speed Rail Authority
Yesterday we shared with you the news about the naming of Roelof van Ark as the new chief executive officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Now we'd like to share what leaders from around the state have to say about the selection of van Ark to lead California's high-speed rail project. Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno):
"… Mr. van Ark brings a wealth of experience to the project, and his proven track record demonstrates the seriousness with which the Authority is taking its mission to build a world-class high-speed train for California … This is a highly complex project and Mr. van Ark has a challenging task ahead of him. However, the Authority has selected someone with experience building high-speed rail projects in other countries who will apply that experience to delivering a safe and efficient high-speed rail system for Californians…" Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach):
"The appointment of Roelof van Ark as executive director for the California High-Speed Rail Authority is a major step in the right direction to make California the nation's leader in high-speed rail. Up to now, countries in Europe and other parts of the world have led the world in implementing cutting-edge rail technology; however, with this advancement in California's $40 billion high-speed rail project, our state will lead the way in providing modern and safe high-speed rail service to the people of California and our nation. At a time when unemployment is still at 13 percent in the state, this appointment will position California to add 160,000 jobs in building the high-speed rail system. As co-chair of the Congressional California High-Speed Rail Caucus, I look forward to working with Mr. van Ark to advance this project as quickly as possible and to create the nation's leading example of efficient, fast and safe public transportation." Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy):
"Mr. van Ark's experience and stature in the Rail Transport industry will give both the State Legislature and the Federal Government even greater confidence in California's High-Speed Rail project. I look forward to hearing his plans for attracting private sector investment to the California project and how he thinks we can move swiftly to maximize job creation for Californians and deliver this dynamic transportation project." Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin:
"Roelof van Ark's experience is a good fit for moving high-speed rail from the planning phase into the construction and implementation phases. ... Mr. van Ark brings the skills and ability to take the project to the next level. He will attract investment from the public and private sectors to ensure the project's success. The high-speed rail project holds tremendous promise for the City of Fresno and our entire region. I look forward to working with Roelof van Ark to deliver on that promise." Hasan Ikhrata, Executive Director, Southern California Association of Governments:
"The HSRA Board has made an outstanding selection of Roelof van Ark to implement and make the voter-approved high speed rail program a reality. He is one of the most experienced executives in the industry. California is fortunate to have him and voters will be well served by his managerial and engineering skills." Will Kempton, CEO, Orange County Transportation Authority:
"I am confident that Mr. Van Ark's extensive experience will play a key role in delivering the country's first high-speed train system that is consistent with the expectations of the people of California. His ability to balance the project's technical development with community concerns will be a critical component in delivering a successful project." Lucy Dunn, President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council:
"OCBC is impressed with the experience of HSRA's new CEO, Roelof van Ark, selected to develop this nation's first high-speed rail system. With a project this complex, it will take a leader with the wisdom of Solomon and the determination of Gladiator Maximus to build this world-class public works project for California." Andy Kunz, President, US High Speed Rail Association:
"We applaud the Authority on their selection of van Ark to head this exciting project and feel this will move true high speed rail forward in California." Thomas Hart, VP for Government Affairs, US High Speed Rail Association:
"We applaud the Authority's selection of such a seasoned high speed rail executive to head up the California project. Congratulations to the Authority, to the state and the citizens of California! We hope this will expedite the procurement and construction of the California HSR system and help move the nation forward into HSR." Van Ark, 58, of New York, is President of Alstom Transportation Inc., the North American subsidiary of France's Alstom SA, makers of the fastest trains in the world and builders of Europe's TGV. The company has 65,000 employees and annual revenues of $20 billion.
Click here to view van Ark's bio and a fact sheet on the CEO search process.
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