Texas Central Partners LLC, the group planning high-speed rail between North Texas and Houston, has expanded its leadership team.
The newly announced executives are Holly Reed, Doug Jones and Lori Willox.
Reed spent 25 years at AT&T Corp. 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.
Reed will serve as Texas Central’s managing director of external affairs.
“Holly is a dynamic and seasoned executive with exceptional knowledge and vast relationships from her work in Texas,” said Tim Keith, Texas Central CEO, commenting in a news release.
Reed expressed faith in her new employer.
“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.
Meanwhile, Jones will serve as managing director of Texas Central’s design-build program. The 38-year construction veteran previously worked at Balfour Beatty Construction.
Jones most recently was CEO of Balfour Beatty’s Central Region, comprising Texas and surrounding states. In that position, he oversaw $1.4 billion in annual revenue.
Jones is a founding member and past chairman of the Construction Industry Outreach Advisory Council, a group whose stated mission is promoting diversity in the construction industry.
“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, a CPA with 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, will serve as Texas Central’s chief financial officer.
Willox most recently served as a senior vice president and CFO for Balfour Beatty’s Central region, responsible for strategy, accounting functions, operational and sales.
The executives 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 of the Dallas-to-Houston rail line is scheduled to begin in 2017.