(RailAmerica issued the following news release on November 17.)
BOCA RATON, Fla — Gary O. Marino, RailAmerica Chairman, President & CEO, today announced the appointment of Rodney J. (“Joe”) Conklin as RailAmerica’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, North American Rail Group. Mr. Conklin, who has over 27 years of railroad experience, was previously RailAmerica’s Senior Vice President–Eastern Corridor, North American Rail Group. Mr. Conklin replaces Gary Spiegel, who has resigned from the company to pursue other interests.
“We are extremely pleased to have a person with Joe’s experience take over this vital position within our North American operating group,” said Mr. Marino. “Joe has extensive knowledge of our operations and a clear understanding of what our customers need from us. Over the past few years he has played an important leadership role in improving all facets of our rail operations and integrating acquisitions. I am confident that he will do an excellent job in continuing to improve our operating efficiencies and increase the profitability of our portfolio of 46 North American railroads.”
Marino added, “Gary Spiegel made many important contributions to this company over the past three years which were greatly appreciated. He is widely respected in the rail industry and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Mr. Conklin, 49, joined RailAmerica in February 2000 after serving as Vice President, Field Operations for RailTex, Inc. Prior to that, he was employed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) and its predecessor railroads for 23 years. Mr. Conklin held a variety of positions with BNSF, including Terminal Superintendent, Division Superintendent and General Superintendent of Transportation. He began his railroad career in 1976 in BNSF’s engineering department at Gillette, Wyoming.
Mr. Conklin said, “I am excited about this opportunity to lead our North American rail operations and look forward to improving and growing our franchise. We have an excellent operating team that is dedicated to enhancing RailAmerica’s reputation as one of the safest, most customer-oriented and efficient rail operators in the world.”
RailAmerica, Inc. (NYSE:RRA) is the world’s largest short line and regional railroad operator with 49 railroads operating approximately 17,700 miles in the United States, Canada, Australia, Chile and Argentina, including track access arrangements. The Company is a member of the Russell 2000(R) Index. Its website may be found at http://www.railamerica.com.