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.
“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.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
