People News: Metrolink, NCTD, Bentley Systems, HNTB

Pictured (left to right): Alberto Lara, Metrolink; Misty Calder, NCTD; Nicholas Cumins, Bentley Systems; and Eloy Martinez, HNTB. (All Photographs Courtesy of the Respective Companies)

Southern California’s Metrolink welcomes a new Chief People Officer. Also, North County Transit District (NCTD) in California appoints a Deputy General Counsel; Bentley Systems, an infrastructure engineering software company based in Exton, Pa., transitions its leadership; and infrastructure firm HNTB hires a Vehicles Project Director.

Metrolink

Alberto Lara on July 1 became Chief People Officer at Metrolink, the 538 route-mile, seven-line, 62-station regional/commuter rail network spanning Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego counties (see map above). In addition to managing and overseeing all aspects of human resources activities at the agency, including talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, staff development, and learning and compensation, Lara serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer.

Lara served previously as Director of Human Resources for the County of Yolo. He also held leadership roles at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Pierce Transit in Washington, where he implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies and managed numerous administrative functions, including IT, risk management, customer service and human resources. With bilingual skills in Spanish and English, Lara holds a Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Washington and is a certified court interpreter.

“We are delighted to welcome Alberto to the Metrolink family,” said CEO Darren Kettle, whose Metrolink contract was recently extended through September 2029. “Alberto’s extensive experience and passion for people-first leadership align perfectly with our commitment to our employees and our riders. His vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment for our team.”

“I am thrilled to join Metrolink and contribute to its mission of providing safe and reliable transportation services,” Lara said. “My experience in human resources management, particularly in public transportation and government sectors, has equipped me with the skills to lead and support Metrolink’s diverse workforce. I look forward to fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture promoting employee engagement and development.”

Separately, “smart crossing” technology has been added to boost safety near a Metrolink station in Orange County.

NCTD

Misty Calder has been elevated to Deputy General Counsel at NCTD, the provider of Coaster commuter rail, Sprinter hybrid rail, Breeze bus, Flex on-demand and Life paratransit services in North County San Diego. She will be responsible for the preparation of legal opinions, research support, environmental and regulatory compliance, document preparation, and related legal services. Additionally, she will manage the activities of outside legal counsel engaged by agency.

Calder joined NCTD in April 2023 as Senior Legal Counsel, providing legal advice on project development and management, environmental and storm water compliance, litigation, and regulatory compliance. She has also worked directly with the Development Services Division on real estate development projects, including the Oceanside and Escondido transit centers.

“Misty’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to our legal team,” said Lori Winfree, NCTD Chief General Counsel. “Her promotion is a testament to her hard work and the critical role she plays at The District. We look forward to her continued contributions in this expanded role.”

In related developments, NCTD recently named Maria Rogers as Director of Rail Operations; Joy Freeman as Chief People Officer; Alex Denis as Chief Procurement Officer; and Tom Tulley as Chief Operations Officer of Rail.

Bentley Systems

Nicholas Cumins has been promoted to CEO of Bentley Systems, succeeding Greg Bentley, the eldest of the five brothers who founded the company that now offers digital twin systems used to design, build and operate infrastructure. Cumins is the first CEO in Bentley Systems’ 40-year history who is not a family member. Greg Bentley is now Executive Chair of the Board.

“The transition to Cumins’ leadership comes at a critical time for infrastructure sectors,” reported Bentley Systems. “There are not enough engineers to accomplish the work required to achieve global sustainability targets while also adapting aging infrastructure vulnerable to the effects of climate change.” The company noted that “engineering firms and asset owner-operators are looking to software to help them overcome the limitations of scarce talent.”

Cumins served most recently as Bentley Systems’ COO, a position he held since January 2022. He joined the company prior to its IPO in September 2020 as Chief Product Officer. Previously, Cumins was General Manager of SAP Marketing Cloud and served as Chief Product Officer of Scytl, a platform for online voting, and as Senior Vice President of Product with OpenX, a pioneer in programmatic advertising.

Cumins, a dual French and U.S. citizen, is based in France.

HNTB

Eloy Martinez has joined HNTB as Project Director for Fleet Engineering, Project Management and Advisory Services. He has more than 25 years of experience in transit, commuter, intercity passenger, high-speed rail, and freight rolling stock design, procurement, safety, and regulatory compliance.

During his career, Martinez has held positions in both the public and private sectors. Before joining HNTB, he served as a consultant at Hatch LTK, working with clients such as Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, Caltrain, and New Jersey Transit to prepare technical specifications, design compliant rail and transit systems, execute complex safety studies and programs, procure trainsets, test routes, secure pre-revenue commissioning, and navigate all aspects of high-speed rail.

Before moving to the private sector, Martinez was a senior program manager for the FRA, where he was responsible for all passenger equipment safety research and provided technical input on the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 and industry standards. He has chaired the Transportation Research Board’s AR020 Passenger Equipment and Systems Integration Committee and the American Public Transportation Association’s Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standard Construction and Structural Committee.

Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico and a master’s in civil and environmental engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Eloy’s deep understanding of rail and transit vehicles enhances HNTB’s ability to help transit owners and railroads procure, deliver, and operate safer, more efficient rail vehicle and associated systems,” said Paul Godfrey, HNTB’s Massachusetts Office Leader and Vice President. “We are thrilled to have him join our team to support our clients across all regions.”

Separately, HNTB recently named Greg Lorenzi as Rail Program Manager.