August 31, 2023 — Shey-Harding Executive Search has posted a new opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer for the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, Long Beach, California:

About ACTA

The Alameda Corridor is a nationally recognized transportation project, representing a $2 billion+ investment in rail-based infrastructure supporting the busiest port complex in the US, the Ports of Los Angeles, and Long Beach. The Alameda Corridor is the result of a remarkable public/private partnership with stakeholder entities Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway. The Corridor runs for 20 miles from the Ports to downtown Los Angeles, where it connects to the transcontinental railway serving the entire nation. The Corridor extends through or borders the cities of Vernon, Huntington Park, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Carson, and Los Angeles.

Current Situation

ACTA hired a new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer in 2020. The CEO/CFO and Governing Board have decided that a new position of Chief Operating Officer is vital to the long-term success of this agency by providing a balance of internal technical capabilities and well-managed contracting services with an eye to the horizon and healthy succession planning. ACTA seeks to perform its mission efficiently and economically with a balance of in-house staff and on-call service contracts and has determined that hiring a COO and another support position is appropriate.

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the COO position is critical to ACTA’s ongoing success. The chosen candidate will fulfill Officer responsibilities with leadership in operations, planning and contract management. The COO will work with Class I railroads, Ports, and other stakeholders to facilitate efficient operations, and perform planning to promote increasing cargo movement by rail.

Location:  Long Beach, CA (This is an on-site position.  Candidates must be within commuting distance to the Long Beach office.)

Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience Requirements:                   

  • Minimum fifteen (15) years of directly relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: freight railroad operations, railroad maintenance, railroad construction management.
  • Minimum seven (7) years of management and supervisory experience.

Compensation and Benefits: Target salary range: $225-250K + excellent benefits. 

Certificates/Licenses Preferred

  • Valid California driver’s license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years (REQUIRED).
  • Professional Engineers License or Certified Construction Manager or Class I Railroad Leadership.
  • RWP / eRailSafe Qualified.

TO APPLY:  Please submit resume and cover letter to Jeff Dvonch at Shey-Harding Executive Search, jeff@shey-harding.com, www.shey-harding.com, (562) 252-8515.  The initial close date for the search is Friday, September 22, 2023, at 5pm Pacific.  ACTA reserves the right to accept additional submissions after the close date.

OTHER: Complete job description is available upon request.  Relocation assistance will be considered as appropriate.