People News: ARRC, DART/APTA
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Christy Terry, incoming Vice President of Real Estate, Alaska Railroad (left); Michele Wong Krause, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board Chair and American Public Transportation Association Vice Chair.
Alaska Railroad (ARRC) elevates Christy Terry to Vice President of Real Estate. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board Chair Michele Wong Krause is appointed Vice Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
ARRC
Christy Terry on Aug. 1 will take over as Vice President of Real Estate, following the June retirement of Jim Kubitz, who served the regional for 25 years. Terry has been ARRC’s Director of External Affairs since 2022. She began her tenure at ARRC 13 years ago as the Assistant Port Manager in Seward. Previously, she spent nearly a decade performing long and short-range planning, permitting, and development for the city of Seward.
In Terry’s new role, she will provide guidance and oversight for the Real Estate division’s real estate, facilities and land services departments. According to ARRC, the real estate portfolio is “integral to fulfilling ARRC’s statutory mandate to remain self-sufficient.” In 2022, real estate comprised 14% of operating revenues (excluding grants). Proceeds from leasing and permitting provide a steady, reliable source of funds, particularly in years when train operation revenues wane such as occurred during the pandemic, the railroad said. It noted that real estate revenues also can be used for capital projects that do not qualify for federal funding, and help fund employee retirements and medical trusts.
“We are once again delighted to welcome Christy to a new role at the railroad,” ARRC President and CEO Bill O’Leary said. “Over these past years, she has impressed us as a highly capable professional who successfully meets every challenge that comes her way. Her strong background in land use, planning and the marine industry, combined with her proven track record working with a wide range of people and perspectives, makes her the perfect choice for this key position. Christy’s background and outstanding professional qualities will serve her, and the railroad, well as we face future challenges and embrace economic opportunities with our valuable real estate assets.”
Earlier this month, ARRC reported other appointments and promotions throughout the organization.
DART
DART Board Chair Michele Wong Krause is the new APTA Board Vice Chair. She was unanimously approved for the position at last month’s APTA Board meeting. She will be eligible to serve as APTA Chair in October 2023.
“As we navigate the ‘new normal’ of the post-pandemic transportation landscape, APTA is here to be a resource and provide tools for agencies as they improve their resilience and agility,” said Wong Krause, who is currently in private law practice with the Wong Krause Law Firm of Dallas and is a former city of Dallas Associate Municipal Judge. “With public transportation at a pivotal juncture, our communities require that we prepare for the future while considering the needs impacting our current transportation infrastructure.”
“As a member of the DART Board, and most recently as Board Chair, Ms. Wong Krause has worked to make the organization better for our communities,” said Nadine S. Lee, DART President and CEO. “Her work at APTA amplifies the role of transportation in connecting our communities and providing them with the resources and modes our residents need on a daily basis.”
In related news, DART last month announced the appointment of Jeamy Molina as Chief Communications Officer.
