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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
Metrolink CEO adds 3 more members to executive leadership team

 

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.

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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.


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