Michael Baker picks Sepulveda to lead rail practice in West Region

RailPAC/Noel Braymer

Michael Baker International (MBI) has appointed Don Sepulveda, P.E., as vice president and rail and transit practice lead in the West Region.

Sepulveda’s appointment is effective immediately, according to MBI spokesman Justin Falce. The company says the move is intended to broaden MBI’s transportation and rail presence within its growing market. Sepulveda will also act as senior project manager on some of the company’s strategic rail projects, representatives say.

Sepulveda will work out of MBI’s Los Angeles office, and he is expected to put his transportation industry expertise to use and facilitate a team that can seek out new rail and transit business opportunities. The company aims for Sepulveda to emphasize transit, commuter and intercity passenger rail and freight rail projects. 

“As Michael Baker looks to the future of transportation in the west, Don’s extensive public and private experience will be a valuable asset for clients seeking to diversify and integrate rail and transit in the region,” said Anna Lantin, director of MBI’s West Region. “Don is well-positioned to support Michael Baker’s efforts to promote rail initiatives to reduce traffic congestion, achieve air quality benefits and promote interconnectivity across the region as we make a difference for our clients and the communities we serve.”

Officials say Sepulveda has more than 20 years of experience in railroad infrastructure, such as developing railroad safety programs and projects, capacity improvements and new transit systems.

“I am proud to join Michael Baker [and look forward] to build the company’s rail and transit business in the West,” Sepulveda said. “I look forward to tapping the company’s global and local resources to deliver timely and innovative solutions to address our clients’ complex transportation challenges.”

During the past five years, Sepulveda worked as the executive officer of regional rail for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), where he established a $2.5 billion rail program. In his recent executive officer role, Sepulveda is said to have interacted frequently with transportation leaders from throughout California regarding LACMTA’s engagement with local heavy rail, such as: Amtrak, Metrolink, freight carriers and the California High Speed Rail Authority.

Sepulveda also held multiple past positions with California consulting firms before joining Metro’s staff, officials say.

Sepulveda received his bachelor of science in civil engineering from California State University, Northridge. He actively serves on the American Railroad Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association committees on commuter/intercity and high-speed rail systems and has been active as a fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers both locally and nationally.