JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thomas J. Tisa will join Patriot Rail as chief commercial officer while Robert Turnauckas will move from chief commercial officer to a new position, president, Scenic Rail Excursions, the company has announced.
The changes are effective Nov. 1.
Tisa, with more than 30 years of industry experience, has held sales and marketing positions at Canadian National and CSX, most recently leading the CSX short line development team and strategic initiatives.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom to our team,” Patriot Rail CEO Brandy Christian said in a press release. “His wealth of experience and industry knowledge will expand our presence and strengthen Patriot Rail’s position in the market.”
Turnauckas previously was chief marketing and communications officer at Southern California commuter operator Metrolink. Before that, he held leadership positions in the tourism and hospitality industry with organizations such as Ritz-Carlton Resorts, Marriott Hotels, and Sea World.
The creation of the executive position to advance Patriot Rail’s tourist rail program reflects acquisition reflects the company’s ownership of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia, as well as its acquisition of the Granite State Scenic Railway in Lincoln, N.H., and plans to reestablish tourist train service on Pennsylvania’s Gettysburg & Northern. [see “Patriot Rail to start tourist service …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 12, 2024].
“We are so pleased to have Bob take on this new role as president, Scenic Rail Excursions,” said Christian. “His unparalleled background in hospitality, customer service and passenger rail is the perfect fit for driving the company’s excursion business forward.”
