Texas Central expands leadership team, hires three executives

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Texas Central Partners, LLC, developers of a high-speed rail project between North Texas and Houston, has expanded its executive ranks, adding Holly Reed, Doug Jones and Lori Willox to its leadership team.

 

Reed has been appointed as managing director, external affairs; Jones, as managing director, design build program and Willox, as chief financial officer.

Reed spent 25 years at AT&T and its predecessor companies, most recently as regional vice president of external affairs. She also held leadership positions in customer service, finance operations, data center operations, marketing and advertising.

“Holly is a dynamic and seasoned executive with exceptional knowledge and vast relationships from her work in Texas. She has documented success in leading and meeting business objectives in a heavily regulated industry,” said Texas Central Chief Executive Officer Tim Keith. “That experience is key as we engage more deeply with community and government stakeholders.”

“Texas Central has the vision to transform travel in our state, relying on private-sector expertise and funding to keep pace with a growing population and greater transportation needs,” Reed said. “It’s an exciting project that will serve as a catalyst for economic benefits not only along the route but also throughout Texas.

Jones is a 38-year construction veteran, formerly with Balfour Beatty Construction.

During his career, he managed major projects and has held positions of increasing responsibility. Doug was most recently the CEO of the Balfour Beatty’s Central Region, comprised of Texas and surrounding states, with oversight of $1.4-billion in annual revenue.

“Doug brings an extensive construction background, especially in guiding emerging businesses and initiatives. He will play a vital and strategic role as we progress beyond our project’s design and development phase and into construction,” Keith said.

Willox most recently served as a senior vice president and chief financial officer for Balfour Beatty’s Central region, responsible for strategy, accounting functions, operational and sales support and risk management.

The new positions will report directly to Keith, who said the appointments reflect the continued strength of Texas Central’s operating team as it pushes ahead with its high-speed rail plans. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2017.

“These executives bring additional experience, relationships and credibility that is important to us as we continue to build support among local officials and other third-party groups and Texans interested in our project,” he said.

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