Press Release

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES NEW
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC POLICY

SACRAMENTO - The California High-Speed Rail Authority today announced the appointment of Lance Simmens to the post of Deputy Director of Communications and Public Policy.

“California’s high-speed rail system is an essential investment in our growing state’s future,” said Roelof van Ark. “Communicating the project’s value and widespread benefits to the public, local and state government partners, and stakeholders is critical as we approach initial construction next year. I am quite pleased to welcome Lance Simmens, a professional with over 35 years of executive experience, to the high-speed rail team.”

In this position Simmens will oversee communications, statewide outreach and public policy.

“I’m extremely honored to have the opportunity to contribute my experience to this exciting project. High-speed rail will revolutionize the state’s transportation network and offer a faster, safer and more environmentally friendly travel option,” said Simmens. “Open dialogue with all stakeholders is vital as this project progresses. I look forward to working closely with communities, business groups, state and local governments, and more to ensure we plan and implement the best high-speed rail system possible.”

Simmens has been involved in public service for more than three decades at all levels of government.

Most recently, Simmens, 58, served Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, as Special Assistant for Intergovernmental Affairs – the principal liaison with more than 2,500 local governments. In this role he also served as the Chairman of the Governor’s panels on the development of both wind and solar energy.

In 2006 he was chosen by former Vice-President Al Gore to be one of the first groups of individuals to be trained to deliver presentations on the impact of climate change. He has delivered nearly 100 presentations during that time, including an invitation to present at the London School of Economics by a member of the European Parliament.

Mr. Simmens has served as a senior advisor for intergovernmental affairs for four federal agencies including as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Mr. Simmens was the Assistant Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 1987 to 1993, where he staffed the Urban Economic Policy Committee.

In 1993 Mr. Simmens was appointed by President Clinton to help establish the Federal government’s first Office of Sustainable Development in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. He was honored with the highest award from the Department of Commerce, the Gold Medal Award, as leader of a team of government officials who pioneered sustainable initiatives, programs, and regulations for the nation’s fisheries.

Mr. Simmens received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Temple University.

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