Texas Central, the developers of the private sector-led high-speed train project, announced the appointment of two new executives to its Houston office.
Jeff Moseley, most recently a member of the Texas Transportation Commission, was named state vice president, and Michael Moore, a top aide to Houston’s former mayor, was named regional vice president.
“We are excited to add two experienced executives to our Houston team. With backgrounds in both private and public sector groups, Jeff and Michael bring a wealth of resources, knowledge and relationships to our already strong team,” said Tim Keith, chief executive officer of Texas Central.
He said Moseley’s background as a county judge, an economic development professional and a transportation expert provides firsthand experience to help drive key areas as the Houston-to-North Texas passenger line moves ahead.
Moseley served four years on the Texas Transportation Commission including the last year as vice chairman. Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to the influential commission, which oversees the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2012 to fill an unexpired term. While his transportation experience will add great benefits to the project, he will not be interfacing with the agency in his new role.
Before that, he was chief executive officer of the Greater Houston Partnership, the leading economic development and trade organization for Southeast Texas. During his seven years there, he partnered with business leaders, elected officials and transportation stakeholders.
Previously, Moseley served as director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism, the state’s lead group driving business growth for Texas locally, nationally and internationally. In this role, he led the economic outreach during a time when Texas was recognized as the best place to do business in the U.S.
Between 1991 and 1999, Moseley served as Denton County judge, the top elected position in that North Texas county. During that time, he was a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, led the passage of two mobility bond campaigns and organized the Interstate 35 Corridor Coalition.
“I have lived and worked in both of Texas’ major economic centers- North Texas and Houston- dynamic regions that I know firsthand. I am extremely pleased to be on the team bringing an innovative transportation solution to our state that will connect half of Texas’ population and drive tremendous economic impact,” Moseley said.
Keith said, “Jeff has a clear understanding of the demands that elected county officials face, and will be able to effectively work with leaders and communities that are both rural and urban.”
In addition, Michael Moore has joined the team. Moore served as chief of staff to former Houston Mayor Bill White during his entire six-year term. He brings more than 25 years of management, strategic communications and public policy expertise in corporate, political and government sectors.
He served as primary point person for Mayor Bill White's office during hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike. In addition, he led teams responsible for daily external communications with the media and public and intergovernmental relations among elected officials.
He also helped lead the media and public outreach efforts for numerous transportation and mobility issues, including synchronizing traffic lights, and implementing SAFEClear mobility plan.
Moore also has high-level federal experience, including serving as special assistant to the deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
“High-speed train service will be a game-changer for Houston, and I’m excited to be a part of bringing it to serve our residents and businesses. Having served this city for years, focusing on making it a great place to live, work and play, I know that strengthening our transportation options in Houston will be transformative for citizens throughout Southeast Texas,” Moore said.
Keith said the appointments reflect the deep expertise that Texas Central is bringing to the innovative project. Moseley and Moore’s active engagement in transportation projects throughout their careers will be key to advancing Texas’ high-speed train.
“Momentum continues to grow for the high-speed train, as more and more Texans learn about the important benefits of this Texas-based project. Texans want a safe, quick and predictable choice to get from Houston to North Texas, and are jumping on board for the future of Texas,” Keith said.
The Houston to North Texas high-speed train will provide Texans a safe, reliable, affordable and productive alternative to the state’s transportation needs. It will generate $36 billion in economic development and 10,000 jobs during each year of construction of the 240-mile project.
