Walsh Appointed ASLRRA Board Chair
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Matt Walsh, Chairman, ASLRRA Board of Directors
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has named Matt Walsh, Genesee & Wyoming Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Development, as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Stefan Loeb.
Loeb has stepped down from the ASLRRA chairmanship role. The former Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Watco—a transportation and supply chain services company owning and operating a network of short lines, terminals and ports—will join Class I Norfolk Southern on April 2 as Vice President First and Final Mile Markets.
Walsh served most recently as ASLRRA Board Vice Chair. He has been with Genesee & Wyoming since 2001. Previously, Walsh was an investment banker at Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., and Schroder and Co., Inc., both in New York and London.
“We thank Stefan for his tremendous contributions to the Association and to the industry,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said. “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 I’s 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.”
“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.”
“Having been a part of the short line industry for more than 20 years and a member of the ASLRRA Board since 2011, I have a great appreciation for the key role the ASLRRA plays in promoting our industry and an even greater appreciation for the incredible commitment of its membership, and ASLRRA’s staff, which has never been stronger,” Walsh said. “I would like to thank Stefan for his leadership over the past 12 months. As Chairman, I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the continued success of regional and short line railroads and the crucial function they perform for our nation’s economy.”
Walsh will be ceremonially installed as Chairman on April 3 during ASLRRA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition. The Executive Committee will nominate and the Board will vote to approve a new Vice Chair in short order, ASLRRA reported.
