LOS ANGELES — Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail provider, has appointed Alberto Lara as its new chief people officer effective today. In this role, Lara is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of human resources activities at the agency, including talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, staff development, and learning and compensation. In addition, Lara now serves as the equal employment opportunity (EEO) officer.

"We are delighted to welcome Alberto to the Metrolink family,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “Alberto’s extensive experience and passion for people-first leadership align perfectly with our commitment to our employees and our riders. His vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment for our team.”

With more than 30 years of human resources experience, mainly in California and Washington state government settings, Lara brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

“I am thrilled to join Metrolink and contribute to its mission of providing safe and reliable transportation services,” Lara said. “My experience in human resources management, particularly in public transportation and government sectors, has equipped me with the skills to lead and support Metrolink’s diverse workforce. I look forward to fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture promoting employee engagement and development.”

Previously, Lara served as the director of human resources for the County of Yolo, where he oversaw a large multi-disciplinary team and led significant projects, such as the implementation of a new HRIS system and the county’s COVID-19 return-to-work efforts. He also held leadership roles at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Pierce Transit in Washington, where he implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies and managed numerous administrative functions, including IT, risk management, customer service and human resources.

As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Lara is passionate about workplace diversification and creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging. His bilingual skills in Spanish and English enhance his ability to connect with diverse groups. He holds a Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Washington and is a certified court interpreter. Lara’s proven track record in HR strategy and operations makes him a valuable addition to the Metrolink executive team.