BUSRide February / March 2025 | Page 13

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Becca Nagorsky Joins HDR as Transit Planning Leader

Becca Nagorsky has joined HDR to lead the firm ’ s global transit planning practice . Based in Toronto , Nagorsky will collaborate across HDR ’ s global rail and transit markets to develop a vision and goals that will align HDR ' s world-class resources with the needs of its clients and the communities they serve . Her work will span all transit modes , including paratransit , fixed-route bus , express bus , bus rapid transit , light rail , subway , commuter rail , intercity passenger rail and more . “ Our industry is in an era of enormous investment in transit expansion and is facing the opportunity — and also the challenge — of delivering on the public ’ s

Becca Nagorsky expectations of us to make these projects genuinely improve people ’ s

quality of life ,” Nagorsky said . “ I am eager to be part of the HDR team providing planning expertise on many of these projects .” Nagorsky has more than 17 years of experience in global transit planning since beginning her career in Jerusalem working on a bus network redesign to support the opening of the city ’ s first light rail line . She now brings a successful track record of leading major planning initiatives , diverse teams and innovative planning practices . She has extensive experience developing transit network plans and is particularly invested in improving network design by using her knowledge of how people move through a transit system . Most recently , Nagorsky served as the vice president for stations planning at Metrolinx , a regional transit agency serving the greater Toronto region . In this role , she led long-range planning and visioning for heavy rail and subway stations with a focus on station access . Becca also led the development of the initial business case justification for the Ontario Line , which is now under construction and which includes a strong commitment to leveraging the benefits of rail to boost the development of transit-oriented communities . “ Becca ’ s professional transit planning experience coupled with her passion for transit and cycling provide a strong foundation and deep understanding of the needs of our clients ,” said HDR Transportation Planning Director Santanu Roy . “ This foundation will prove critical in supporting HDR in expanding transit planning services to transform our global communities for the better .”

IndyGo Names Lisa Soard as Director of Communications

IndyGo is pleased to announce Lisa Soard as the new director of communications . She ’ s filling the role vacated by Carrie Black after her promotion to chief public affairs officer late last year . Soard has more than 20 years of experience leading strategic communications and public relations across various sectors . As IndyGo ’ s director of communications , Soard will support the chief public affairs officer by leading the agency ’ s marketing and communications strategy , delivering coordinated messaging through key stakeholders and developing and nurturing partnerships across the community that generate avenues of revenue and increase ridership . “ We ’ re excited to add Lisa to the public affairs team ,” said Black . “ This is a big year for IndyGo as we break ground on the Blue Line , celebrate 50 years and continue to raise the bar on providing excellent service to our customers . Lisa has the leadership skills , creativity and innovation to guide these campaigns to the next level .” Soard began her career at public relations agencies in Chicago , where she had the opportunity to work with the Chicago Transit Authority ( CTA ) as it worked to modernize the Red and Purple Lines and expand the Red Line . Most recently , Soard spent more than five years at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute as the director of Lisa Soard communications and engagement where she grew the organization into a communications powerhouse . Soard received her bachelor ’ s degree in journalism and mass communications from Drake University . She proudly serves on the professional development committee of the Public Relations Society of America ’ s Hoosier Chapter . She is an avid reader , who also enjoys hiking and playing board games with her husband , their two children and black labrador .

Daimler Buses CEO to Lead Board of Europe ’ s Bus and Coach

Manufacturers

The European Automobile Manufacturers ’ Association ( ACEA ) bus and coach manufacturers are pleased to announce that Till Oberwörder , CEO of Daimler Buses , has been elected as Chair for 2025 . “ Buses are essential for public transportation and play a crucial role in our modern society : They are one of the most popular means of transportation in urban areas , connect rural regions with cities , and allow people to travel safely , comfortably , and in an environmentally friendly manner . With the transition to zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-powered models , buses will become even more sustainable ,” said Till Oberwörder , CEO of Daimler Buses and incoming chairman . “ The transformation of our industry is in full swing , and the need for emission-free public mobility continues to grow . I am therefore firmly convinced that we are in the ‘ decade of the bus ’. However , to enable the widespread use of zero-emission buses , manufacturers , decision makers , energy suppliers , and bus operators must work closely together . We need a realistic legal framework and

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