Our
People

David Harris, PMP
President, LJA Rail
David Harris, PMP
President, LJA Rail

Bachelor of Science, Management, University of Phoenix   David has over 25 years of diverse management experience with hands-on knowledge of a wide range of project disciplines. His 18-year tenure with Southern Pacific Railroad had a significant impact in developing his expertise in strategic planning, business development, project and program management, engineering design, construction, and maintenance. Since joining LJA, David has been involved in operations management and business development for our freight rail division to build and expand LJA's reputation and geographic presence. David utilizes his diverse railroad and management expertise to build customer satisfaction and confidence by ensuring value through quality, schedule, and cost performance. He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Project Management Institute, and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance Association.

Michael G. Bell, PE
Vice President, LJA Rail
Michael G. Bell, PE
Vice President, LJA Rail

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Florida

Mike is a railroad veteran of over 25 years and is an expert in intermodal terminal development, railroad engineering, and freight railroad design. He is exceptionally adept at managing design teams for complex projects and has proven leadership ability in planning, design, and construction. Keeping projects on track and on budget, he is also experienced in coordinating and obtaining permits with federal, state, and local entities. While working as director at CSX Intermodal Terminal Development and Environmental Affairs, he provided oversight of team members in planning, sizing, designing, and constructing intermodal terminals. This unique perspective allows Mike to see a project from both the owner’s and engineer’s perspectives. In fact, his advice to fellow engineers is “think like an owner,” which has resulted in many successful projects and served him well throughout his long-standing career.

Dave Elder
Senior Project Manager, LJA Rail
Dave Elder
Senior Project Manager, LJA Rail

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Old Dominion University,Virginia

A 35-year career delivering economic and organizational value in engineering, construction, and railroading has allowed David to create and direct annual budgets in excess of $40M. He is experienced in railroad engineering and operations, as well as subsurface engineering and construction of utilities. Dave is adept at managing large numbers of employees and consultants on major projects, and in recruiting and hiring highly skilled staff. An avid hiker, Dave has summited Washington’s famed Mount Rainier, a feat which seems to go hand-in-hand with his favorite motto, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Barry J. Gondron, PE, LEED
Senior Project Manager, LJA Rail
Barry J. Gondron, PE, LEED
Senior Project Manager, LJA Rail

Bachelor of Science, General Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana

Barry imparts over four decades of engineering design and construction management for heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, and monorail projects. Throughout his longstanding career, he has worked with private and public agencies to enhance railway operations at all levels, including 17 years with the Southern Pacific Transportation Company as a senior regional track designer. He is a licensed professional engineer in Arizona and Colorado, and is a member of the national Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Professionally, Barry is active in the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association, American Railway Development Association, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and the U.S. Green Building Council, Colorado Chapter. Personally, he volunteers time and architectural/civil design services for The Gabriel Foundation, a 501c3 organization focused on parrot education and welfare.

Mike Mize, PE
Vice President, LJA Rail
Mike Mize, PE
Vice President, LJA Rail

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University

Mike is an experienced project manager with over two decades planning, designing, and constructing transportation and infrastructure projects in our Rail Services sector. Mike has managed Class I railroad projects in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota, including projects for shortline railroads, port authorities, and industrial clients. As senior project manager, he oversees rail engineers and designers throughout Texas and the western United States. He is an active member of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association.