Board of Directors

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) Board of Directors was established in 1996 by California Public Utilities Code §185020. The Board of Directors oversees the planning, construction, and operation of the nation’s first high-speed rail system.

The Board of Directors consists of nine members: five members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and two members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. Each Board member represents the entire state and serves a four-year term.

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy directives for the Authority, and for the development and approval of the Authority’s key policy documents. These policy documents include the Authority’s business plans, financial plans, and strategic plans. The Chief Executive Officer and Authority staff report directly to the Board of Directors and seek approval and guidance on a broad range of issues regarding the ongoing program including, but not limited to: certifying environmental documents; entering into contracts; making project alignment decisions; and business plans.

The Board of Directors also has several subcommittees dedicated to overseeing specific aspects of the high-speed rail project. These subcommittees include:

• Executive/Administrative Committee
• Finance and Audit Committee
• Operations Committee
• Transit & Land Use Committee

Meetings of the Board of Directors and of its committees are noticed and conducted in compliance with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. Board of Directors meetings are generally held once a month. Special Board meetings may be held as needed to address Authority business, but those meetings will be announced ten days in advance in compliance with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act.

Board Members

• Tom Richards, Chair
• Nancy Miller, Vice Chair
• Ernest Camacho, Board Member
• Martha Escutia, Board Member
• James C. Ghielmetti, Board Member
• Henry Perea, Board Member
• Lynn Schenk, Board Member
• Anthony Williams, Board Member

Ex Officio Board Members

• Honorable Dr. Joaquin Arambula
• Honorable Lena Gonzalez