California High-Speed Rail Authority Names New Interim CEO

Joe Stephenshaw, director of the California Department of Finance and a longtime advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, has been appointed interim CEO of the state's High-Speed Rail project. The announcement came from the High Speed-Rail Board during a meeting on Thursday, following the resignation of former CEO Ian Choudri on Wednesday night.

Choudri's departure concludes a tenure marked by challenges and controversies surrounding the long-delayed and over-budget bullet train initiative. Board chair Steve Kawa thanked Choudri for his service and contributions to the program. Kawa also stated that the governor appointed new board members this year to enhance accountability, oversight, and transparency for the project. He emphasized that the board's current actions align with the governor's directive for accountability under new leadership.

Stephenshaw, who was appointed by Newsom to lead the Department of Finance in 2022, has played a key role in developing the governor's annual budget proposals. Prior to that, he served in Newsom's office as a Senior Counselor for Infrastructure and Fiscal Affairs. The duration of Stephenshaw's interim appointment has not been specified.

Kawa added that Californians deserve a project they can trust, and the governor will continue to demand this from all involved parties. The High Speed Rail project aims to connect major metropolitan areas across California with a high-speed rail line, though it has faced significant financial and logistical hurdles since its inception.