HNTB named Grace Madden as its new project director, supporting the firm’s transit fleet and facilities practice, and Dennis Stefanski, PE, to transit and rail engineering department manager.

In his leadership role, Stefanski will oversee a multidisciplinary group of professionals, bringing his extensive expertise in project management, intradisciplinary coordination and structural engineering design to support various transit and rail clients.

HNTB’s New Project Director

Madden brings more than 15 years of project management and mechanical engineering experience, including leading the delivery of complex and innovative solutions related to fleet replacements and updates for railway companies and transportation agencies across the globe.

Prior to joining HNTB, Madden served as a technical lead and locomotive systems engineer for a global rail company.

In her new role, Madden will collaborate with clients and project teams across the U.S. to help advance programs related to rail vehicles, rail systems, and related facilities.

Throughout her career, Madden has taken leadership roles on various systems and vehicle engineering teams on vehicle replacement programs for several railroad companies, including Union Pacific, Egyptian National Railways, and Saudi Arabian Railways.

She also collaborated on similar efforts for transit agencies in the U.S., including Metrolink in Southern California.

Transit, Rail Department Manager

Before joining HNTB, Stefanski spent over a decade at Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), where he played a key role in the interlocking and resiliency programs.

He was instrumental in securing the site for SEPTA’s new heavy maintenance facility as part of the trolley modernization program.

Additionally, he led the civil engineering department, managing civil design, track outages, right-of-entry, and coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

With over 19 years of experience, Stefanski has led various projects, including major capital construction; capital planning; state of good repair assessments; and rehabilitating railroad infrastructure, facilities, and bridges.