People on the Move: December 2024

OAKLAND, CA—Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Michael Hursh is transitioning to a senior advisor role with the transit district, effective Dec. 14. Under his leadership, AC Transit launched its Tempo BRT system, re-launched its Salesforce Transit Center, maintained nearly a decade of balanced budgets, and established a partnership with labor unions to explore ways of recruiting entry-level employees and supporting their advancement to journey-level mechanics. Hursh also championed Assembly Bill 917, allowing public transit agencies statewide to use forward-facing cameras for issuing citations at bus stops and in transit-only lanes. Recently, he joined CA Governor Gavin Newsom for the launch of the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, where AC Transit is set to receive $144 million to expand its hydrogen fueling infrastructure and bus fleet. He also supported the creation of the Zero-Emission Bus University with Chabot College. Under Hursh’s leadership, AC Transit won APTA’s 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award and the 2019 International Bus Roadeo Grand Champions’ title. For APTA, Hursh is a member of the Board of Directors, Public Transportation CEO Coordinating Council, and Diversity and Inclusion Council and serves on the Bus & Paratransit CEOs and Legislative committees.

ATLANTA, GA—WSP has announced the appointments of Angela Schwarz, senior vice president, to transit and rail market leader; and Inez Evans Benson, senior vice president, to deputy transit and rail market leader.

Schwarz will ensure client success with state and local transit agencies; build relationships with consultants, industry associations, railroads and contractors; and oversee planning, design, program management and construction management assignments on major projects, such as the PTC project for NJ TRANSIT and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s communication-based train control program for New York City transit. Schwarz joined WSP in 2021 as national transit and rail systems practice leader and brings 30 years of experience as a certified project management professional. She also served as a senior engineering manager for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Schwarz is a graduate of the Leadership APTA class of 2023.

Benson joined WSP in January 2024. She assumes the role of deputy transit and rail market leader and continues in her role as national bus practice leader. Prior to joining WSP, she was the first female black president and CEO of IndyGo, IN. She has served as director of transportation for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority and chief operations officer for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, CA. In addition, she serves on the WTS International Executive Board and was recognized as 2022 WTS International Woman of the Year and the 2021 WTS Indianapolis Woman of the Year. For APTA, Benson is a member of the Board of Directors, Public Transportation CEO Coordinating Council, and American Public Transportation Foundation and serves on the Bus & Paratransit CEOs, Mid-Size Operations, Workforce Development, and Access committees, among others. She is a graduate of the Leadership APTA class of 2011.

WINTER GARDEN, FL—ABC Companies announces the appointment of Brigette Fahl as its new director of marketing. Fahl brings extensive marketing strategy, digital transformation, and customer experience to the role. She will play a pivotal part in advancing ABC’s marketing strategies to support the company’s vision for future growth and customer-focused innovation. Her appointment comes as ABC continues to expand its footprint and enhance its capabilities.

ST. CLOUD, MN—Metro Bus has appointed Nene Israel as director of finance. She brings more than10 years of experience in the transportation industry to the role. Her previous positions include accounting officer at Minnesota DOT, finance supervisor at the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, and, most recently, finance director at the Duluth Transit Authority, MN. She is actively involved in the transportation sector as a member of COMTO MN, where she has served as treasurer for more than three years. She was recently selected as an ambassador for the Transportation Cooperative Research Program (TCRP).