Batory, accomplished rail executive, joins Michigan State University rail program

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Ron Batory, the career railroader whose lengthy resume includes a term as Federal Railroad Administration administrator, is joining Michigan State University’s Center for Railway Research and Education.

A press release from MSU’s Broad College of Business says Batory, who has spent 52 years in the rail industry, will provide the CRRE with “leadership, vision, strategy, and direction to its programming.”

Batory renews a relationship with MSU that dates to 2007, when he was part of the advisory group that established the center’s Railway Management Certificate Program.

“I’m both humbled and honored to serve the Center for Railway Research and Education,” Batory said. “Contributing through an academic venue is a unique opportunity to collaborate with growing rail transportation talent and passion residing in our logistics system.”

His new role will help fulfill the vision of center benefactor Ed Burkhard, whose gift established the Burkhardt Professor in Railway Management, which MSU describes as “a key component of the center’s mission to bring innovative leadership and new thinking to the industry.”

CRRE Director Nick Little said, ““I look forward to Ron’s experience and knowledge as the center develops new and improved educational programs. Expanding the center’s relationships with key rail industry leaders will provide students and staff with valuable information and opportunities.”

Batory spent 23 years in various roles with Class I railroads and served with a with a court-appointed trustee in oversight of a regional railroad bankruptcy In 1994, he became president of the Belt Railway Co. of Chicago, after which he was recruited by CSX and Norfolk Southern to assist in the partitioning of Conrail and creation of the Conrail Shared Assets Areas. He later became President and Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets, then served as FRA administrator from 2018 to 2021.