Calif.'s Metrolink adds to executive leadership team

Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins announced three chief-level appointments to the agency’s leadership team. The three positions will be critical as the team delivers on Wiggins’ customer-focused vision to create a modern commuter rail system that is safe and integrated with other transportation systems to best serve Southern Californians. 

Eric Hosey, a seasoned passenger and freight rail operations and safety executive, joined Metrolink as COO, overseeing the dispatching and operations of Metrolink’s 538-mile network. Darrell Maxey, who was previously Metrolink’s deputy COO, and known for his role in implementing life-saving Positive Train Control Technology, has been promoted to a new role, chief mobilization officer, which will focus on leading and implementing new agency-wide projects such as the new bundling contract for Metrolink operations. Finally, Noelia Rodriguez, a seasoned executive who has held leadership positions at multiple Southern California transportation agencies, will be responsible for managing the CEO’s office, overseeing customer relations, driving excellence in performance, and reporting in her newly created role of chief of staff.  

Hosey, who started his role at Metrolink in July, has more than 25 years of experience in both freight and passenger rail. Most recently, he served as assistant VP, transportation, for Amtrak’s Southwestern Division. He started his rail career with Norfolk Southern Railway as a brakeman and locomotive engineer.

Maxey, who transitioned to his new role in July, joined Metrolink in 2006. With almost 40 years of experience, Maxey has held several important positions with Metrolink, including deputy COO. Maxey served as executive in charge of leading the implementation of PTC for Metrolink, which has become the industry standard for improving the safety of railway traffic. Earlier in his career, he spent 18 years with the Southern Pacific (now Union Pacific Railroad) and nine years with Caltrain in Northern California.

Rodriguez, who will join the agency on August 26, brings more than 30 years of experience to Metrolink. She has served in leadership roles at Southern California transportation agencies such as the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. She has also served in key roles supporting First Lady Laura Bush and Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. She served as a resident and fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, followed by nearly five years as the director of the Kennedy School’s John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum. Before her career in academia, she was VP, communications, for Univision Communications.