BALTIMORE — The board of directors for the Canton Development Co., which provides switching and logistics services in Baltimore and Cecil County, Md., has named Paul A. Barnes as president and CEO.
The appointment, effective May 1, follows the decision by John C. Magness to retire as of June 30 after 27 years at the company and almost 43 years in the rail industry.
Barnes’ 30 years of logistics experience includes 27 years in the rail industry with CSX Transportation, the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad, and Genesee & Wyoming. He will direct the Canton Development Co. and its subsidiaries: the Canton Railroad, a Class III switching shortline established in 1906, and Freestate Logistics, a contract rail carrier created in 2006 that serves the Principio Business Park in Perryville, Md. He will be CEO of the three companies and a member of the board of directors.
“We are fortunate to have someone following my tenure that has the background and experience of Paul,” said Mr. Magness. “The company is well positioned to move forward with his leadership.”