CSX decentralizes operations

CSX has implemented a new operating management structure that “decentralizes operational and support functions,” are “designed to enhance safety, improve service, accelerate decision-making and drive operating efficiency,” and are “a continuation of the company’s scheduled railroading transformation.”

CSX Executive Vice President of Operations Ed Harris, now oversees four operating entities, each headed by a VP or Senior VP: Operations East, Bob Frulla, Senior VP; Operations West, Jermaine Swafford, Senior VP; Network Operations, Jamie Boychuk, Senior VP; and Intermodal Operations, Amy Rice, VP.

Frull and Swafford have responsibility for transportation, mechanical and engineering in their respective divisions. “Bringing these three functions under the new operating management structure will drive significant efficiencies,” CSX said. As well, inclusion of support functions such as human resources, labor relations, claims and finance in the railroad’s day-to-day field operations “will improve the speed of decision-making and enhance accountability. “

VP and Chief Safety Officer Jim Schwichtenberg has oversight of safety programs, policies and practices, “with resources also embedded in the field.” Network functions will remain centralized, including service design, dispatching, crew management, PTC and locomotive and car management.

SVP Engineering and Mechanical Brian Barr is responsible for system engineering and mechanical functions including locomotive shops, capital projects, back shop maintenance, communications and signals, design and construction, and regulatory compliance.

Bob Frulla, a 28-year CSX veteran, was SVP Network Operations before being named SVP Operations East. His responsibilities included oversight of service design, crew management, dispatching, locomotive management, passenger services and PTC. Previously, he was VP Northern Region, and his field and headquarters experience also has included roles as a Division Manager in several locations, including Jacksonville, Fla.; Huntington, W.Va.; and Atlanta, Ga. Frulla earned a bachelor’s degree in the arts from Virginia Tech.

Jermaine Swafford, with 20 years at CSX, was SVP and Chief Transportation Officer before being named SVP Operations West. He joined CSX as an assistant trainmaster in 1998, and served as Vice President Regional Transportation for the Northern and Southern regions and management positions of various levels in Atlanta; Florence, S.C.; Cincinnati; Jacksonville; Richmond, Va.; and Augusta, Ga. Swafford holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Marshall University in West Virginia, where he was an all-American linebacker for the university’s Thundering Herd football team.

Jamie Boychuk, who before joining CSX spend 20 years at CN, previously served as VP Precision Scheduled Railroading Implementation and Intermodal Operations. At CN, he was General Manager of the Alberta and Prairie Sub-regions. He began his career as a conductor, yardmaster and locomotive engineer before moving into managerial positions in Western Canada, Eastern Canada and the U.S. Boychuk holds a business and leadership certificate from the University of Notre Dame.

Amy Rice was previously VP Strategic Planning, responsible for network and capacity planning, as well as strategic transactions, policy development and operational costing in accordance with scheduled railroading. She also oversaw operational performance measures, with active involvement in CSX’s regulatory interface early in its transition, and led the negotiation of joint facilities agreements between CSX and other railroads. Since joining CSX in 2011, Rice has served as VP Finance and Assistant VP Commercial Finance, Director of Commercial Finance, and Director of Intermodal Marketing. She has also held various positions in business management and analytics at Deloitte, National City Bank (now PNC) and Citibank. Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Emory University Goizueta School of Business and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

“This is a proven model that pushes decision-making closer to the day-to-day field operations and eliminates bureaucracy and long-standing silos within our business,” said James M. Foote, CSX President and CEO. “This new structure highlights the strength of CSX’s extremely talented operating leadership team, and will enable the company to continue driving performance improvements in a more effective and efficient way. We are making a fundamental shift from a headquarters-centric organization to one in which all functions are aligned with our core mission to provide the industry’s best transportation product for our customers,” said Foote.