California’s rail authority has placed a longtime adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom at the helm of the state’s troubled bullet train project after CEO Ian Choudri submitted his resignation Wednesday night.
Joe Stephenshaw, director of the California Department of Finance, was named interim CEO during a Thursday meeting of the High-Speed Rail Board.
Choudri stepped down after a tenure overshadowed by controversy involving the long-delayed, massively costly project, according to CalMatters.
“We thank Mr. Choudri for his service and his contributions to the high-speed rail program, and we wish him and his family well,” board chair Steve Kawa said.
“The governor appointed new members of the board this year to bring stronger accountability, oversight, and transparency to the project,” he added. “Today’s news reflects the board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent with the governor’s mandate under new board leadership at the authority.”
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“Californians deserve a project they can trust, and the governor will continue to insist on that from everybody working on it,” Kawa said.
Newsom appointed Stephenshaw to lead the Department of Finance in 2022, where he has played a key role in developing the governor’s annual budget proposals.
Before taking that position, Stephenshaw served in Newsom’s office as senior counselor for infrastructure and fiscal affairs.
Board members did not say how long Stephenshaw is expected to remain in the interim role.
This is a developing story and will be updated.