People News: SANDAG, LJA Engineering, HNTB

From Left to Right: Mario Orso, CEO, SANDAG; John Jerome, Vice President, LJA Rail; Del Walker, Denver Office Leader, HNTB; and Michelle Buonacuore, Construction Services Manager, HNTB. (Images Courtesy of LinkedIn, LJA and HNTB)

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) appoints Mario Orso as Chief Executive Officer. Also, LJA Engineering welcomes John Jerome as Vice President of LJA Rail; and HNTB names Del Walker as Denver Office Leader and Michelle Buonacuore joins as a Construction Services Manager.

SANDAG

Following a nationwide search, the SANDAG Board of Directors on April 26 announced that it has appointed Mario Orso, the current Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 11, as the new SANDAG CEO.

As CEO, Orso will be responsible for leading more than 400 SANDAG employees, overseeing a $1.2 billion annual budget, and reporting directly to the Board of Directors, which is made up of elected mayors, councilmembers, and county supervisors who are appointed from each of the region’s 19 local governments. He will begin his three-year contract with the agency on June 17, 2024.

“Our Board made a commitment to select a proven leader with decades of experience to prioritize our community’s needs, and today, I am proud to announce that we have fulfilled that commitment,” said SANDAG and San Diego County Supervisor Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “Mr. Orso is dedicated to the people of this region and has demonstrated his commitment by successfully building teams, delivering major infrastructure projects, and bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to the San Diego region. He embodies the qualities we were searching for in a leader and I am confident we have found a CEO who will be forward thinking, collaborative, and fiscally responsible.”

Orso has more than 32 years of experience at Caltrans, having worked his way through the ranks from a junior civil engineer to his current appointment after earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University.

Orso holds a Professional Engineers Registration and has completed the Project Management Certificate Program that Caltrans and Sacramento State University offer. Along the way he made his mark in District 11, currently as Chief Deputy Director, and he previously served as Corridor Project Director for the South County and Trade Corridors, the district’s first Native American Liaison, and Intergovernmental Review Branch Chief and Project Manager. Additionally, in 2023, Orso was appointed Acting Caltrans District 12 Director in Orange County.

“As a resident of this region, I am honored to have the opportunity to lead SANDAG. In partnership with the Board, we will be laser focused on our core mission and commitments to the people of the San Diego region,” said Orso. “With more than 200 projects underway, our partnerships are going to be more important than ever to make the most of our investments to improve mobility, equity, safety, and our economy.”

LJA Engineering

LJA Engineering on April 29 announced the appointment of John Jerome as the new Vice President of the firm’s Rail Division.

Over three decades of leading multibillion-dollar construction projects have equipped Jerome with “an exceptional ability to drive progress and consistently exceed goals,” the firm stated in a release. His proven track record demonstrates success in timelines, budgets, and quality. Jerome excels at forging strategic partnerships with stakeholders, contractors, and government officials, ensuring all parties are aligned for project success. He fosters a collaborative and innovative environment by cultivating diverse and inclusive teams. Jerome’s dedication extends beyond his projects; his 17-year membership in the American Railroad Engineering and Maintenance Association (AREMA) exemplifies his commitment to the industry.

With a workforce of more than 2,000 employees and a legacy spanning more than 50 years, LJA Engineering stands as “a nationally recognized, employee-owned firm providing comprehensive engineering services across the public and private sectors.” Headquartered in Houston, Texas, LJA has been proactively expanding its presence throughout the southeast region.

“Together, our combined expertise will enable us to offer comprehensive services for our transportation clients and position us for continued growth and success,” said LJA CEO James Ross. “Please join us in welcoming John Jerome and anticipating his continued contributions to LJA.”

HNTB

HNTB announced April 29 that Del Walker, PE, has been named as Denver’s Office Leader.

With a wealth of experience spanning more than 35 years in engineering and transportation, “Walker’s vision and leadership will be instrumental in driving the firm’s strategic initiatives forward,” the firm stated in a release.

Walker joined HNTB in 2022 as a Senior Program Manager in Denver. Most recently, he has been a pivotal member of HNTB’s team, collaborating with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) on the Red Line Extension Program, demonstrating his ability to deliver results in complex projects.

“Del’s extensive experience, proven track record and long-term commitment to the Colorado community make him the ideal candidate to lead our Denver office,” said Stephen Knobbe, PE, HNTB Northwest Division President. “We are excited to have him in this role, and I am confident that under his leadership, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients and drive growth in the region.”

Walker’s career includes notable positions, such as Deputy Assistant General Manager for Capital Programs at Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), where he oversaw the implementation of the RTD FasTracks program. He also served as Director of Staff Branches for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), contributing to the agency’s executive management team.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role and opportunity to contribute to the continued success of HNTB’s Denver office,” said Walker. “Having lived in the Denver community for the past 45 years, I am deeply committed to its growth and prosperity. I look forward to working closely with our exceptional team and leveraging collective expertise to positively impact critical transportation infrastructure projects.”

Additionally, Michelle Buonacuore has joined HNTB as a Construction Services Manager, bringing more than 12 years of design, project management and construction management expertise within the transit and rail sector.

In her new role, Buonacuore will lead major transit and rail programs for the firm’s clients, including Amtrak and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to help advance large scale projects and programs that improve and enhance transit and rail infrastructure and passenger experience. This entails overseeing all aspects of the project lifecycle, from scope development to cost, quality control and project management.

Prior to HNTB, Buonacuore made notable contributions at another consulting firm, where she played integral roles on numerous critical projects, such as Amtrak’s Platform Replacement and State of Good Repair Improvements at Lancaster Station, the Amtrak NJ High-Speed Rail Improvement Program and SEPTA’s Ardmore Transit Center.

Previously, Buonacuore also served as a Senior Electrical Engineer at Amtrak, where she supported major projects, including the Waverly-Kearny Passaic River Transmission Tower Replacement, Sunnyside Yard High-Speed Rail Facility and Hanson Interlocking.

Buonacuore earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

“Michelle is a highly respected and sought-after resource in the industry. She will play a key role in helping HNTB’s transit and rail clients effectively plan and implement critical programs that provide vital passenger services,” said Jeremy Colello, PE, HNTB’s Pennsylvania Office Leader and Vice President. “Along with her engineering expertise, Michelle’s dedication to leadership, inclusion and mentoring will make her an asset to our clients and our community.”