Metrolink CEO adds 3 more members to executive leadership team
The addition of Justin Fornelli, Don Filippi, and Jennifer Vides Hirsch to chief positions, nearly completes the full roster of Wiggins' team.
by Alex Roman, Managing Editor
September 4, 2019
1 min to read
Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins appointed Justin Fornelli, Don Filippi, and Jennifer Vides Hirsch to chief positions, nearly completing the full roster of her executive leadership team.
Fornelli, who served as acting chief of program delivery has been promoted permanently to the role, while Vides Hirsch has been hired as chief marketing and communications officer and Filippi will serve as the chief safety, security, and compliance officer after performing this role in an acting capacity this year.
Ad Loading...
Prior to joining Metrolink in 2017, Fornelli served as director of transit and rail programs for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, one of Metrolink’s member agency partners. He will oversee the agency’s Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program and state of good repair projects.
With more than 25 years of experience, Vides Hirsch has an extensive background in brand-building and strategic communications, particularly for organizations in transition. She joins Metrolink from the Public Media Group of Southern California, formed by the merger of PBS SoCal and KCET, where she served as VP, marketing, communications, and brand.
Filippi has an extensive background in safety serving as the chief operations officer and chief safety officer for North County Transit District. Filippi served as senior transportation supervisor for the California Public Utilities Commission and manager operating practices at Union Pacific Railroad.
The tour reflects LIT’s commitment to supporting professional growth, collaboration, and opportunity for individuals at all career stages within the transit industry, according to LIT officials.
Curated and facilitated by transportation industry leaders, LITLA provides a high-quality, structured learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge, professional networking, and practical leadership application.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
The brand strategy was developed based on input from RTA board members, staff, and stakeholders, along with secondary research conducted over a months-long process.
In close coordination with regional partners including Caltrain and BART, the agency ensured convenient interagency connections and seamless transfers for game-day passengers.
Because rail has high fixed costs and low marginal savings, it is impossible to close the projected FY27 $376M deficit with service cuts and fare increases alone, said agency officials.
The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.