SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) today announced the appointment of Donald Odell as the Director of Real Property.

“Don’s appointment to this position ensures that we continue our forward momentum in the acquisition of right of way for the high-speed rail program,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “He has tremendous knowledge in this field and his experience to date is essential to the program’s success.”

This spring, Odell was appointed Acting Director of Real Property, where he has already been leading the Authority’s effort to acquire property and other right-of-way related issues for the high-speed rail program. Previously, Odell was an Attorney IV with the Authority, where he worked closely with the Right-of-Way Division to assist them in the management of their program, including negotiations and acquisition of public, private, commercial and agricultural properties for the program in California’s Central Valley. Prior to the Authority, he worked at several private law firms.

As the Director of Real Property, he will continue to further develop the right-of-way program. His start date is September 14, 2018. The compensation is $184,764.