Ian Choudri departed California's High-Speed Rail Authority
Ian Choudri, chief executive of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, resigned late Wednesday after about two years, citing “important personal and family priorities,” according to CalMatters, which obtained his emailed resignation. The resignation followed a September report on wasteful, “unallowable” consultant travel expenses. Newsmax, citing CalMatters, reported the board named state Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw as his replacement.
More context
Ian Choudri’s roughly two-year stint at the helm of California’s High-Speed Rail Authority ended with his departure late Wednesday. In his emailed resignation, obtained by CalMatters, he said he needed to focus on “important personal and family priorities.” The letter, dated Oct. 28, described his tenure as a turnaround into a “successful program.” The authority’s board confirmed the resignation Thursday in Anaheim. A September report said the authority approved wasteful and “unallowable” travel expenses for consulting firms, describing a pattern of noncompliance with regulations and contracts. CalMatters reported the episode involved nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money spent on questionable consultant trips. On Thursday, the board named state Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw to replace Choudri, Newsmax reported, citing CalMatters.
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Reporting
- CalMatters — California high-speed rail chief resigns amid travel scandal
- The New York Times — California’s High-Speed Rail Chief Quits Amid Questions About Spending
- Newsmax — Calif. Rail CEO Resigns Amid $600K Travel Spending Probe
- fox40.com — California high-speed rail CEO resigns, ending tumultuous 2-year tenure
Verifier’s note
CalMatters and The New York Times report that the rail chief resigned amid scrutiny of spending. FOX40 reports the board’s confirmation and spending context; Newsmax’s account attributes its information to CalMatters.