Respected industry leader serves as Capital Region’s director of rail operations
ARLINGTON, Va. (Feb. 2, 2023) – Zandra Ford has joined HNTB as director of rail operations for the Capital Region where she will support HNTB’s transit and rail clients across the firm. Ford’s extensive experience in rail operations, project management, strategic planning, finance, capital budgeting, as well as the federal and state funding process will help to maximize the efficiency and performance of new and existing transit systems and programs.
“Zandra is a devoted strategist who is committed to helping transit organizations achieve the highest levels of efficiency, accountability and state of good repair while at the same time ensuring that they deliver the highest levels of service for their customers and communities,” said Hillary Calavitta, HNTB’s Capital Region transit and rail group director.
Ford’s planning and design expertise is backed by nearly 25 years of transportation industry experience. She began her career as an analyst at New York City Transit, working in the Department of Subways and Capital Programs Management, advancing quickly to managing line operations for NYCT where she progressed through the organization, earning successively senior roles with increasing responsibility, eventually managing service delivery at the NYCT Rapid Transit Operations Rail Control Center where she oversaw seven subway lines, serving millions of transit riders every day.
“Zandra is a proven leader who understands how to model great leadership, address operational challenges and put service and people at the heart of every decision,” said Chris Lester, HNTB’s Capital Region office leader.
After 20 years with NYCT, Ford joined the Maryland Transit Administration, where she served as deputy chief operating officer – rail operations. While at the MTA, Ford led a workforce of approximately 550 people in delivering safe, reliable and efficient multimodal rail services throughout Baltimore. In addition, she oversaw operation and maintenance of the LightRail Link and Metro SubwayLink.
Zandra is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials and WTS. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Morgan State University.