Jeffrey E. Geary named Amtrak operations chief

Jeffrey E. Geary, a 30-year railroad industry veteran who most recently served as vice president and chief operating officer of Florida East Coast Railway and FEC Highway Trucking Services, has been named Amtrak’s vice president of operations. Geary, who will be based at Amtrak’s Consolidated National Operations Center in Wilmington, Del., will have oversight of the transportation, engineering, and mechanical departments. His appointment is effective June 20, 2011.

Geary has extensive freight rail operating experience—an asset considering that, with the exception of the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak operates almost exclusively on freight railroad right-of-way. He started his career in 1978 with Conrail, where he spent 21 years in several operating positions including trainmaster, terminal superintendent, and director of operations for one of the company’s largest divisions. In 2000, Geary joined CSX Transportation as assistant general manager of the Baltimore Division. At CSXT, he completed Six Sigma training and attained Master Black Belt status. From 2005 to 2007, Geary worked for Rail Link in Jacksonville, Fla., where he was responsible for eight short lines and one transload logistics operation. In 2007 he joined Rail America, Inc., as regional vice president, Southeast Region, responsible for eight short line properties. This region had the company’s best financial performance in 2009, and was injury and incident free for 14 months. While at FEC, Geary was credited with improving the bottom line, developing a new safety culture, and increasing ontime performance. He has completed the Executive Management Transportation course at Penn State University, along with media crisis training and10 years of hazmat training.

“Jeff has proven experience in operations, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and performance management,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “This appointment is the latest step made by Amtrak to create a high-performing organization that is aligned to deliver excellent service. Jeff is a highly respected and dedicated railroad professional with a strong desire to increase safety on the railroad for our passengers and employees. His leadership is key for the effective operation of the railroad, which directly impacts the travel experience of our passengers and ultimately the success of Amtrak. His oversight responsibilities are fundamental to the delivery of service including train crews, the locomotives and other train equipment, and the Amtrak-owned infrastructure on the Northeast Corridor and elsewhere around the country.”

“I am excited to join the Amtrak team during this time when record numbers of passengers are boarding our trains,” stated Geary. “Amtrak is a vital component of the national transportation system and we must work to advance safety, improve ontime performance, and enhance the delivery of service for our customers.”