Deborah Harper
The California High-Speed Rail Authority on Friday, Nov. 21, announced Deborah Harper has been appointed chief administrative officer (CAO).
The CAO oversees the rail authority’s administrative operations, including the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Business Services/Facilities and the Office of Information Technology. Harper also will serve as the organization’s Equal Opportunity Officer (EOO) and Title VI coordinator.
Most recently, Harper was deputy secretary of administration for the California Department of Veterans Affairs, a position Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her to in March 2013.
During her career with the state, which began in 1993, she worked at the Board of Equalization for seven years, where she was the chief of the Customer Service and Publishing Division. Harper also spent five years at the California Department of Justice, including multiple positions with the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, and the Legal Support and Operations Branch.
Harper also has held positions the California State Lottery and State Compensation Insurance Fund.
"Ms. Harper brings a wealth of experience in management and will be instrumental in keeping our various departments running smoothly," said Jeff Morales, the rail authority’s CEO.
Harper’s start date with the California High-Speed Rail Authority is Dec. 1. She replaces Wendy Boykins, who came aboard in 2012.
