David Thurston has been named a VP and national technical director within the transit and rail technical excellence center of WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, a global engineering and professional services organization.

In his new position, Thurston is responsible for increasing the firm’s capabilities in rail systems, developing technical staff, project management for major rail undertakings, marketing support and review of business practices and technology innovations.

Thurston has more than 37 years of experience in rail systems engineering and integration, with an emphasis on the design, construction supervision, and installation of railroad and transit systems. Prior to joining WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, he was a vice president of an international engineering firm, serving as the rail and transit sector manager.

Thurston received a bachelor of science degree in electrical and computer engineering from Clemson University; a master of science in electrical and computer engineering from George Mason University; and a doctorate in engineering from Temple University. He is a Fellow with the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers and a member of the American Society for Quality, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association, National Fire Prevention Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, where he serves on the board of governors for the vehicular technology society and vice president of the land transportation division.