12 Sep Sound Transit announces 3 key hires for ambitious capital expansion plan
As part of their mission to deliver the largest transit expansion in North America, Sound Transit has been actively recruiting seasoned and passionate leaders to bolster the Capital Delivery team. After a nationwide search conducted by K&A, Sound Transit announces the successful recruitment of three new Executive Directors. Brad Owen, Michael Morgan, and Manan Garg have been tasked with leading their respective delivery teams to provide guidance and support to the project staff, and establishing new and innovative approaches to deliver on the agency’s commitments.
Brad Owen
Brad comes to Sound Transit from LA Metro, where he grew his career over many years, demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders including community leaders, board members, elected officials, and the general public. His projects have required extensive collaboration with the 88 incorporated cities within LA County, and he has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, and inviting inclusive participation in decision-making.
In his recent position as senior executive officer in LA Metro’s Program Management department, Brad spearheaded the planning, development, and supervision of Metro’s programs encompassing state of good repair, highways, bus rapid transit, and active transportation. These initiatives constituted a substantial portion of the capital program funded by the $140 billion voter-approved Measure M initiative.
Michael Morgan
Michael joins Sound Transit from Ottawa, CA. For the City of Ottawa, Michael served as the director of Rail Operations before becoming the director of the Rail Construction Program, leading a $5B light rail design and construction expansion. Michael brings more than 24 years of international experience in design, construction, operations, and maintenance of complex rail systems. His work in Ottawa has been focused on delivering a major transit expansion involving significant highway works, tunnel construction, passenger rail stations, bus transfer facilities, and new active transportation connections.
Michael grew his career in the private sector, leading major projects including as a member of the team at Bombardier Transportation, where he focused on the testing and commissioning of integrated systems under challenging conditions.
Manan Garg
Manan comes to Sound Transit from Austin, Texas, where he served as Senior Director, Design & Construction for Austin Transit Partnership’s Orange Line, and more recently as Senior Vice-President, Delivery and Construction for Austin Light Rail. Manan’s responsibilities have included leading the development of the project delivery plan for ATP’s $5 billion light rail program. His work in Austin demonstrates a deep commitment to innovation: in technology, procurement and contracting methods, and business process.
Manan also spent time in the Bay Area, managing San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District’s (BART) Office of Transit System Development. In this capacity, he focused on Silicon Valley extension projects, with responsibilities including contract administration, project finance, and vehicle procurement.