People News: HDR, HNTB, MassDOT
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Pictured, Left to Right: Paulo Faria, Design Director for Transportation Architecture, HDR; Martin Ellwood, Senior Project Director, HNTB; and Hayes Morrison, Undersecretary, MassDOT.
Paulo Faria rejoins HDR as Design Director for Transportation Architecture. Also, HNTB appoints Martin Ellwood as Senior Project Director, supporting rail infrastructure projects; and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) elevates Hayes Morrison to Undersecretary.
HDR
Paulo Faria is Design Director for Transportation Architecture at HDR. In this role, he will leverage his 25 years of experience “to craft user-centered design solutions” for architecture and engineering transportation and infrastructure programs, according to the firm. He is based in HDR’s Austin, Tex., office.
Before returning to HDR, Faria contributed to Metrolinx’s Ontario Line project in Toronto; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) “enhanced stations initiative”; New York City’s pedestrian wayfinding program; and projects at MTA’s Fulton Street Transit Center, New York’s Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, and Chicago Union Station.
A registered architect in Brazil, Faria earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Universidade Mackenzie in Sao Paulo.
“Paulo brings forth the leadership skills necessary to lead our transportation architecture design studios, as well as establish strong connections with the health, science, community and civic teams,” HDR Global Design Director Brian Kowalchuk said. “We’re thrilled to have Paulo on board as he helps guide and inspire the design group and uses his passion and expertise to reinforce HDR’s design philosophy and culture.”
HNTB
Based in Los Angeles, Calif., Martin Ellwood is HNTB’s new Senior Project Director, supporting rail infrastructure projects in the West Division. He has more than 27 years of experience in rail systems, tunnels and subterranean structures.
Most recently at WSP, Ellwood served as the Engineering Manager for all three sections of the design-build project for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Westside Purple Line Extension Project. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in civil and structural engineering from the U.K.’s University of Bath and is a registered professional engineer in the state of California.
“We are excited that Martin has joined our Los Angeles office and that he’ll enhance our strong rail and transit team,” said Yoga Chandran, HNTB Los Angeles Office Leader and Senior Vice President. “He brings strong delivery expertise in both rail and high-speed rail projects.”
“Martin is an exceptional leader with a forward-thinking approach, and we welcome him to our team,” HNTB West Region President Michelle Dippel said. “His track record of cultivating collaboration with clients and stakeholders to ensure attainment of their objectives and standards will benefit both current and future client projects.”
MassDOT
MassDOT has promoted Hayes Morrison to Undersecretary of Transportation, following service as acting Chief of Staff. She succeeds Monica G. Tibbits-Nutt, who last month was appointed Secretary of Transportation.
Morrison began work at MassDOT in November 2020 as Chief of Mobility. She was then elevated to Assistant Secretary of Policy and Strategy and to acting Chief of Staff. According to the MassDOT, Morrison over the past three years has led the organization in taking steps toward climate and resiliency goals and ensuring Bipartisan Infrastructure Law policies were represented in projects and programs. She now oversees eight MassDOT departments: the Office of Transportation Planning, Office of Performance Management and Innovation, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, the Innovation Lab at MassDOT, Office of Federal Funding Coordination, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Compliance and Internal Audit, and Operational Excellence.
Before joining MassDOT, Morrison served from 2015 to 2020 as Deputy Director, Strategic and Business Planning at the Massachusetts Port Authority, where she led planning and policy decisions pertaining to infrastructure development, land use and other initiatives. She also held the positions of Director of Transportation, Infrastructure, Parks, and Open Space for the City of Somerville, Mass., and Transportation Finance Manager for the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization.
