People news from MTA, HDR and North American Rail Solutions

Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City has appointed Tina Vaz director of MTA Arts and Design. Starting Sept. 18, Vaz will lead the MTA's visual and performing arts programs.  "Art has the power to transform everyday experiences, and I can't imagine a more extraordinary canvas than the transit system, where millions of New Yorkers and visitors live out their daily stories," said Vaz in a press release. Previously, she was deputy director, chief brand and communications officer for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation from 2011 to 2019. From 2019 to 2023, Vaz led Meta's Open Arts program. She serves on the boards of the Municipal Art Society of New York and the Williamstown Theatre Festival.

HDR's Global Transit Director Matt Tucker has been named to the Mineta Transportation Institute's (MTI) board for a three-year term. MTI is a university transportation center funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation and public and private grants. As a board member, Tucker will help shape MTI's research portfolio and guide the institute's education curriculum. His more than 35 years in the transportation industry gives him a strong background on industry trends and best practices, HDR officials said in a press release.

North American Rail Solutions has hired Doug Severidt as procurement director. Based in Plano, Texas, he will develop and implement procurement strategies while reducing costs and risks across the supply chain, North American Rail Solutions officials said in a press release. He has more than 15 years of experience in procurement and supply chain leadership. Most recently, he served as senior inventory manager for SRS Distribution and previously held leadership roles in the hospitality industry.