Graham Christie named COO the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority

The Governing Board of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) has appointed Graham Christie, a Southern California rail leader and seasoned project manager, as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“Graham provides more than 30 years of highly valued experience and leadership in the rail industry, particularly in California. He is a seasoned engineer who has been a project manager for more than 100 critically needed and complex rail projects and programs – including high-speed, commuter and freight rail systems. This background and proven success make Graham the ideal choice as COO,” said Michael Leue, ACTA Chief Executive Officer.

The addition of a COO to ACTA’s leadership structure was the result of an analysis of the Authority’s operation. The study determined the need to add this position to oversee certain critical functions of the intergovernmental agency that is responsible for the operation of a highly efficient rail route serving the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the nation’s largest and busiest port complex. The appointment of Mr. Christie is the result of a nationwide executive search by Shey-Harding Associates, which contacted and evaluated dozens of professionals through an assertive effort to ensure diversity in this outreach.

“I’m honored by this appointment and as a Southern California resident, I look forward to assisting one of the region’s most important rail authorities,” said Christie. “Much of my career has been spent in planning, engineering design, construction management and interfacing with train operators and tenant railroads on projects that involve construction in a live railroad environment. At ACTA, I will also utilize my lengthy experience in coordinating construction activities with adjacent projects and key stakeholders – such as utility owners, freight railroad owners, local jurisdictions, the California Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Railroad Administration. I am very excited to be part of the ACTA team.”

Christie comes to ACTA after a 10-year career at HTNB. He previously worked at RailPros Inc. and AECOM. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California-Davis and is a licensed Civil Engineer in California.

ACTA is the intergovernmental agency formed under the joint-powers authority of the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach that oversees the dedicated section of railway from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles (the “Corridor”). The $2+ billion Corridor project successfully improved conditions in once-impacted communities by consolidating three circuitous rail routes into a single route along Alameda Street. This direct route enables trains to operate efficiently at 40 mph and eliminates over 200 at-grade crossings. The Corridor provides capacity for trains to handle cargo by rail rather than trucks, which reduces congestion on regional freeways. These rail transportation improvements lead to economic benefits, improved community conditions, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced safety.