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Company News · Recognition Michelle Sabers Named a 2026 Rising Star of the AEC Industry Zweig Group has recognized Zephyr Rail’s own Junior Design Engineer among the emerging talent shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. 2026 Rising Star · AEC Michelle Sabers Junior Design Engineer Orange, California Zephyr Rail is proud to share that Michelle Sabers has been named a 2026 Rising Star of the AEC Industry by Zweig Group — a national honor recognizing the next generation of leaders across architecture, engineering, and construction. Michelle has quickly become a structural engineer who pairs technical precision with genuine investment in the people and the profession around her. “Her ability to pair sharp technical execution with a real commitment to advancing the field is exactly what sets a rising leader apart.” Her impact reaches well beyond project delivery. Michelle has helped strengthen Zephyr Rail from the inside through internal engineering tool development, and she invests in the engineers coming up behind her — mentoring students and leading licensure initiatives within ASCE. ASCE Leads licensure initiatives & student mentorship Internal Builds engineering tools that strengthen the firm This recognition was awarded through Zweig Group’s Rising Stars of the AEC Industry program. Read Michelle’s full profile on the official list. View on Zweig List Congratulations from everyone at Zephyr Rail · zuirail.com

Orange, California — Zephyr Rail is proud to announce its recognition as a 2026 Best Firm to Work For by Zweig Group, the premier provider of management consulting, research, and education services for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Zephyr Rail has earned this distinction, reflecting the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture, investing in employee development, and creating opportunities for professional growth and long-term success. Among firms with 50–99 employees, Zephyr Rail was ranked No. 5 nationwide, placing the company among the industry’s most respected employers. “Best Firms to Work For recognizes organizations that understand a simple truth: great firms are built by investing in people,” said Chad Clinehens, President and CEO of Zweig Group. “These firms have demonstrated a commitment to creating environments where employees can grow, contribute, and succeed. We are proud to recognize their achievements.” At Zephyr Rail, we believe that exceptional project delivery begins with exceptional people. This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of our team members, whose commitment to excellence drives our success and strengthens the partnerships we build with clients and communities. To our employees: Thank you for your passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission. This achievement belongs to each of you. Together, we have built a workplace where innovation, integrity, and teamwork thrive, and together, we will continue shaping the future of rail transportation.

Orange, CA — Zephyr Rail has been spotlighted by Zweig Group for its exceptional workplace culture in the feature “Building Success Through People & Culture” (https://zweiglist.com/building-success-through-people-culture-zephyr-rail/ February 18, 2026). The recognition underscores the firm’s continued leadership in aligning employee well-being with organizational performance. Zephyr Rail’s success extends beyond technical excellence, with a culture where “people are more than just a number” and collaboration, connection, and shared purpose drive performance. “At Zephyr Rail, we believe that investing in our people is fundamental to delivering outstanding results for our clients,” noted Zephyr Rail’s President, Janelle Patterson. This philosophy is reflected in a workplace environment that prioritizes mentorship, professional development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring employees have meaningful opportunities to grow and lead. This recognition builds on Zephyr Rail’s growing list of accolades, including multiple appearances on Zweig Group’s “Best Firms to Work For” rankings, further solidifying its reputation as a people-first organization within the industry. As Zephyr Rail continues to expand its national footprint, the firm remains committed to fostering a culture where employees thrive—proving that strong teams are the foundation of lasting success.

Orange, CA – Zephyr Rail, a leading provider of engineering and construction management services, proudly announces that Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) in their Board Meeting held on July 24, 2025, approved the award of a $50 million Construction Management Support Services contract to Zephyr Rail, the largest single contract in the company’s history. This multi-year contract marks a historic milestone for Zephyr Rail, significantly expanding its role in delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects for one of the nation’s largest transit agencies. “This award is not only a testament to our technical expertise, but also to the dedication and talent of our entire team,” said Jackie Patterson, CEO of Zephyr Rail, and proposed Project Manager. “We are honored by Metro’s trust and excited to contribute to projects that will improve mobility, safety, and sustainability for the region’s communities.” Under the contract, Zephyr Rail will provide comprehensive construction management services for Metro’s Capital Projects, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality. The contract underscores Zephyr Rail’s continued growth and its reputation as a trusted partner in the transit industry. With a track record of successful delivery on complex projects, the company is well-positioned to help shape the future of transportation in Southern California and beyond.

Proud to share that the CSX Cumberland Yard Redesign has been named one of Railway Track & Structures magazine’s Top Projects of 2025! This recognition underscores the power of collaboration and innovation. Zephyr Rail was honored to serve as the Designer, providing track & civil design, and remote sensing services to support CSX in reimagining one of its most critical yards. Thank you to the CSX team for trusting us with this important work, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

We’re proud to share that, for the third consecutive year, Zephyr Rail has been named one of the Top Firms to Work For by the Zweig Group, ranking 5th among firms our size (50–99 employees) and 6th overall nationwide in 2025! This prestigious national award recognizes outstanding workplaces in the architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting industries—firms that inspire their teams, invest in their people, and cultivate cultures of growth, inclusion, and excellence. What makes this award truly meaningful is that it’s based not only on a corporate survey but, more importantly, on employee feedback regarding our culture, compensation, benefits, leadership, and overall workplace experience. At Zephyr Rail, we’ve always said our people are our greatest strength, and this recognition proves it. To our employees: thank you for your passion, your hard work, and for helping make Zephyr Rail a place where people want to do their best work every day. Let’s keep building something extraordinary—together.

Orange, CA – May 21, 2025 – Zephyr Rail has been awarded a contract by LOSSAN to provide preliminary engineering and design services for the Ortega Siding project in Carpinteria, California. This project will help increase track capacity to support the growing demand for passenger rail service and improve reliability along the LOSSAN Corridor. Zephyr Rail will lead project management, civil and track design, and UAV mapping services. “We are honored to support LOSSAN in this important initiative,” said Jackie Patterson, CEO. “Expanding capacity and improving infrastructure will make a real impact on rail service in the region.” “This project is a significant step toward more efficient and reliable service,” added Marc Cañas, COO and Project Manager. “We’re proud to contribute our expertise.” The Ortega Siding project reflects Zephyr Rail’s commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective engineering solutions that strengthen transportation networks and serve communities.