California High-Speed Rail Authority names new interim CEO after former chief’s abrupt resignation

California’s rail authority has put a longtime Gov. Gavin Newsom advisor in charge of the state’s beleaguered bullet train project after its former boss Ian Choudri submitted his resignation letter Wednesday night.

Department of Finance head Joe Stephenshaw has been appointed interim CEO of the project, the High-Speed Rail Board said at a Thursday meeting.

Choudri resigned on Wednesday after a stint marred by scandal surrounding the long-delayed and massively expensive project, according to CalMatters.

“We thank Mr. Choudri for his service and his contributions to the high-speed rail program, and we wish him and his family well,” board chair Steve Kawa said.

“The governor appointed new members of the board this year to bring stronger accountability, oversight, and transparency to the project,” he added. “Today’s news reflects the board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent with the governor’s mandate under new board leadership at the authority.

“Californians deserve a project they can trust, and the governor will continue to insist on that from everybody working on it,” Kawa said.

Newsom appointed Stephenshaw director of the Department of Finance in 2022, where he has been instrumental in developing the governor’s yearly budget proposals.

Before that, he worked in Newsom’s office as a Senior Counselor on Infrastructure and Fiscal Affairs.

Members of the board didn’t specify how long Stephenshaw is expected to serve in the role.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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