WASHINGTON — Matt Walsh will become board chairman of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the organization announced Thursday, filling the position vacated by the departure of Stefan Loeb.
Loeb, who had been executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Watco, has accepted a position with Norfolk Southern [see “Norfolk Southern names intermodal and carload marketing executives,” Trains News Wire, March 23, 2023]. Walsh, currently ALSRRA’s vice chairman, is executive vice president, global corporate development, at Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. He will be installed as chairman on April 3 at the ASLRRA Annual Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans.
“We thank Stefan for his tremendous contributions to the Association and to the industry,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. “Although we will certainly miss his leadership, we are excited to see him step into a critical new role at Norfolk Southern. Having one of our own selected for this important position is a great sign for short lines, and I’m excited about what this may mean for the Class I approach to short lines, and the growth and service for customers that Class Is and short lines can drive together.
“We are fortunate that Matt Walsh, a long-time experienced and capable board member currently serving as the Association’s Vice Chair, will be stepping into the Chairmanship. We look forward to his leadership of the Association and the industry.”
Loeb is taking a newly created position at NS, vice president of first and final-mile markets.
“I have had the honor and distinct pleasure to serve the small railroad industry through the ASLRRA in various roles for many years,” Loeb said. “While I must transition my current day-to-day roles, I will continue to serve and fight for the success of the small railroad industry for years to come, and I am proud of where this industry sits. We have come a long way since I attended my first conference in 2003 and I remain immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished and what this association stands to accomplish in the future. I leave knowing that the Association is in good hands. Matt will represent the membership well as chairman, and the board of directors is deep and strong.”
Congrats to Mr. Loeb. And kudos to Mr. Walsh on his elevated post. As long as Mr. Loeb’s responsibilities are “coupled” with authority, it will enhance service and grow traffic.