On 12 March 2015, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) released the following statement from Board of Director’s Chair Dan Richard on the departure of Vice-Chair Jim Hartnett and his appointment as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the San Mateo County Transit District:

“For the past several years, Vice-Chair Hartnett has played a pivotal role in helping to lead us in our effort to build the nation’s first high-speed rail system,” said Chair Dan Richard. “Jim was particularly instrumental in resolving alignment issues on the San Francisco peninsula to minimize impacts and accelerate the benefits of rail modernization. He was a dedicated board member whose insight, knowledge and leadership will be sorely missed, but we know that the future of the Transit District couldn’t be in better hands.”

Mr Hartnett served on the Board of Directors since 2011 and was appointed by former California Senate Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg.

(Source: California High Speed Rail Speed Authority, CHSRA)