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.


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.
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.
More Management

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit
Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.
Read More →
NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting
The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.
Read More →
Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance
Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.
Read More →
APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees
Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.
Read More →
DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative
The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.
Read More →Advancing Fare Collection Through Technology and Innovation
Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.
Read More →
Game Day in Motion: Moving Millions During the 2026 World Cup
Between packed transit stations and team motorcoaches, see how agencies and operators across North America tackled the transportation demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read More →
Surface Transportation Extension Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap
The stopgap keeps federal transportation programs moving, but missing advance funding could complicate the transit and rail projects agencies are planning next.
Read More →
