People news from NITA and V3

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) has announced that Leanne Redden, executive director of the organization's predecessor, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), is retiring as the RTA transitions into NITA. Redden joined RTA in 2005 and has served as executive director since 2014. During her tenure, she helped rebuild public trust, deliver record levels of state and federal transit funding and modernize how the region plans and pays for transit, NITA officials said in a press release. "Leanne was a steady hand, an innovator and a transparent steward. Her leadership created a strong foundation for NITA to build on,” said Kirk Dillard, former RTA chair. Redden guided development of regional strategic plans that laid the policy groundwork for the NITA Act and shaped the RTA's community planning and transit-oriented development programs. Redden will continue to serve in a leadership role with the American Public Transportation Association, NITA officials said. 

V3 Cos. has named John Hilborn to the role of rail engineering leader to oversee the firm’s rail design team. Hilborn brings 25 years of experience in railroad engineering with a strong background in track maintenance and construction, track design, public project management, and commercial and industrial site development, V3 officials said in a press release. “John is passionate about delivering practical, well-designed solutions that support both infrastructure and development needs. His insight and technical acumen will help build upon V3’s rapid growth and impactful transportation solutions across communities,” company officials said.