Fernandez-Willey Joins CN
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Luisa Fernandez-Willey
Luisa Fernandez-Willey has joined CN as Principal Economist, Financial Planning and Sustainability.
Based in Washington D.C., Fernandez-Willey “will conduct comprehensive research, examine market trends and economic trends, and provide useful insights to support strategic decision-making for our transportation sector,” CN said. “Her strong skills and leadership in policy analysis, communications and statistical analysis will be beneficial to her new role. She brings a wealth of experience in economic analysis and strategic planning, with 20 years of professional experience, including 12 years in the rail industry.”
Fernandez-Willey joins CN from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), where she was Assistant Vice President – Policy and Economics. “Luisa contributed to shaping regulatory discourse and building strategic partnerships within the industry,” CN noted. “Some of her accomplishments at AAR include leading successful negotiations with regulatory bodies such as Mexico’s Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT). She also designed, developed and implemented Orrin, a data platform that provided a centralized location for project management tasks, including budget management and resource management.”
Prior to AAR, Fernandez-Willey held management roles at organizations such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Alvarez & Marsal, and the State of Maryland, “where she showed her expertise in financial analysis and project management,” CN said.
Fernandez-Willey has a Master of Science in Business and Economic Forecasting from Kingston University-London in England and a Master’s in Economics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “Her education is complemented by practical experience and certifications, including a Railway Management Certificate from Michigan State University,” CN noted. She is also a member of several industry associations, including the National Association for Business Economics, the League of Railway Women, and the Progressive Policy Institute.
