Migrating entities: AECOM, TCAT, STV experience shifts

Migrating entities: AECOM, TCAT, STV experience shifts

**New Appointments Strengthen Leadership in Rail and Transit Sector**

Two industry veterans, Veronica Vanterpool and Richard Barrett, have taken on new roles in the rail and transit sector, positioning them to drive growth and deliver major projects across the Americas.

Veronica Vanterpool, with over two decades of experience in the industry, has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Americas Transit Lead for AECOM's global Transportation business. In this role, she will be responsible for delivering major transit projects across the Americas, driving business growth, and advancing AECOM’s strategic priorities in the transit sector.

Vanterpool's background includes a notable recent position as Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation during the Biden-Harris Administration. This role has given her deep insights into national transit policy, infrastructure challenges, and sustainable transportation development.

AECOM’s leadership emphasizes her appointment as a reflection of their dedication to creating a more connected and resilient transit future in the Americas, underscoring her role in helping the company maintain its position as a global leader in rail and mass transit. In her own words, Vanterpool is “committed to advancing practical, impactful transit solutions that strengthen communities and expand access to opportunity” as she leads AECOM’s efforts in this critical sector.

Meanwhile, Richard Barrett has joined STV as Vice President and New York signals manager within the organization's national rail and transit systems practice. Chris Hertz, PE, head of the national rail and transit systems practice at STV, stated that Richard's arrival strengthens their signals practice and positions STV's systems team for further growth.

Barrett's role at STV will involve management, design, procurement, integration, construction, and in-service testing of train control and communications systems for railroads and rail transit agencies. He is well-respected for his innovative approach to project challenges, stakeholder engagement skills, and track record delivering transformative transit infrastructure. Prior to joining STV, Barrett was a vice president and manager of signals at a multinational professional services firm.

Barrett's appointment at STV positions their systems team to serve some of their longest-standing transit clients in the New York region, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He has supported signaling projects on both coasts of the United States, serving clients such as the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metrolink in California.

In addition, Tiffany Walker has been appointed to assistant general manager at TCAT, where she will serve as second-in-command, supporting TCAT General Manager Matthew Rosenbloom-Jones. Walker will retain her role as HR manager but will also be responsible for organizational continuity and guidance across all departments. Over the past 15 months, Walker has built a solid HR team with strong recruiting capabilities and employee-support systems at TCAT.

Lara Poloni, President of AECOM, stated that Veronica's appointment reflects AECOM's commitment to delivering sustainable, future-ready transportation solutions. The appointments of Vanterpool, Barrett, and Walker are expected to strengthen the leadership and capabilities of both AECOM and STV in the rail and transit sector, driving growth and delivering transformative projects across the Americas.

[1] AECOM Press Release, July 2025 [3] Veronica Vanterpool's Biography, AECOM website, July 2025

1. The rail and transit sector has been bolstered by the appointment of Veronica Vanterpool as Senior Vice President and Americas Transit Lead for AECOM's global Transportation business, a role that involves managing major transit projects, driving business growth, and advancing strategic priorities in the transit sector.
2. Richard Barrett's arrival at STV as Vice President and New York signals manager positions their systems team for further growth, with his responsibilities including management, design, procurement, and in-service testing of train control and communications systems for railroads and transit agencies.
3. The management roles of Vanterpool and Barrett are significant in the context of the ongoing development of rail and transit infrastructure, as they are expected to drive growth and deliver transformative projects across the Americas.
4. The finance industry will also be impacted by these appointments, as strong leadership in the rail and transit sector often leads to increased investments in sustainable, future-ready transportation solutions.

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