Gillespie Named Transit & Rail Corporate Business Group Executive Director
FOCUSING ON STRATEGIC TRANSIT AND RAIL MARKET GROWTH IN CANADA AND THE U.S.
Building upon a storied and successful history of developing and delivering major transit and rail infrastructure work, Gannett Fleming has named Executive Vice President Andrew “Andy” Gillespie, PE, PEng, as executive director of the Transit & Rail Corporate Business Group (CBG). An industry veteran with more than three decades of freight rail and passenger rail experience, Gillespie will direct the firm’s comprehensive transit and rail service offerings to clients and mobilize teams to deliver challenging, high-profile projects across North America, from planning and design through construction and operations.
“Andy’s promotion reflects Gannett Fleming’s commitment to employee growth and development and excellence and innovation in the transit and rail sector,” said Paul Nowicki, PE, Gannett Fleming president and COO. “I’ve seen the impact of his leadership firsthand, from his ability to mentor and inspire other employees and lead all aspects of complex, multi-discipline operations to delivering outstanding value and award-winning solutions to our clients and the communities we serve.”
Since joining Gannett Fleming in 2015, Gillespie has played a key leadership role in developing the firm’s Toronto office operations, which have grown to nearly 200 employees and advanced key infrastructure projects, including the Scarborough Subway Extension and Yonge North Subway Extension. Dedicated to innovation and sustainability in transportation, he brings a demonstrated track record of forging key partnerships, successfully leading major projects, and delivering excellence for clients, such as on the Metrolinx Electrification program. Gillespie also served as the practice director for the firm’s Electric Mobility Practice Leadership Team and his strong vision set the direction for electric vehicle and electrification services across North America, which can now be seen through Gannett Fleming’s work on industry-leading projects such as the Caltrain Modernization Program, the Chicago Transit Authority’s Zero-Emission Fleet Planning, and the Nassau Inter-County Express Battery Electric Bus Charging project.
As a recognized thought leader, Gillespie’s expertise is often called upon to help address industry forces of change, such as zero-emission bus fleet conversions and rail system electrification. Prior to joining Gannett Fleming, Gillespie was the chief engineer at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), where he oversaw large-scale transportation projects and helped develop the organization’s state of good repair and energy utilization programs.
Gillespie earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Northeastern University. A passionate champion of industry engagement and professional development, he is an active member of several industry organizations, including:
- American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA).
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
- Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
- Rebuilding Together Philadelphia (RTP).
- Toronto Railway Club.
- Transportation Research Board (TRB).
Boasting more than a century of expertise, Gannett Fleming delivers a comprehensive suite of planning, engineering, design, construction, and operations solutions for complex, high-profile transit and rail projects across North America, including:
- Commuter and intercity passenger rails.
- Light and heavy rail systems.
- Freight rail systems.
- Rail electrification.
- Electric bus and other electric mobility transport systems.
- Bus and bus rapid bus transit systems.
- Streetcar and trolley services.
- Automated people mover systems.
Learn more about Gannett Fleming’s comprehensive transit and rail solutions, our award-winning corporate culture, and exciting career opportunities with our innovative Transit & Rail team.
