Michael Baker promotes Sepulveda to strengthen West region railroad, transit operations
Based in the firm's Los Angeles office, he will help to grow the business, while developing and managing client strategies, fostering team opportunities, and leading strategic partnerships.


Michael Baker International announced Don Sepulveda, PE, has been promoted to VP/deputy national market lead, Railroad and Transit Practice, for the firm’s West region. In this role, Sepulveda will oversee the firm’s railroad and transit operations, leading business and strategic development.
Based in Michael Baker’s Los Angeles office, Sepulveda will serve as the main relationship manager for potential Class 1 railroads, transit authority clients, and state Department of Transportation (DOT) Multimodal Divisions. He will help to grow the business, while developing and managing client strategies, fostering team opportunities, and leading strategic partnerships.
RELATED: Collaborative Consultants Ease Rail and Transit Industry Demands
“Don’s valuable industry experience and knowledge will undoubtedly help Michael Baker build upon our solid foundation in railroad and transit across the West region,” said Bonnie Shepherd, chief practice officer at Michael Baker. “He is a strong leader and project manager, and will work closely with teams across the company to solve complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions to new and existing clients. During his time at Michael Baker, Don has already showcased how We Make a Difference for the community through our rail and transit projects and programs.”
With more than 22 years of railroad infrastructure experience, Sepulveda has extensive knowledge in railroad safety programs and projects, capacity improvements, and new transit systems. He joined Michael Baker in 2016, as VP, rail and transit practice lead, in the firm’s West region and helped to expand the company’s transportation and rail presence in a market with multi-billion-dollar rail project growth potential. Prior to Michael Baker, Sepulveda served as executive officer of Regional Rail for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for five years.
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 →
