People News: Kansas Business Hall of Fame, CSX, RSI
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
Carl Ice, former President and CEO of BNSF, will be inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame on Oct. 4.
Former President and CEO of BNSF Carl Ice has been named into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame (KBHF). Also, Locomotive Engineer Thomas Demps, Jr., of CSX, has been honored for achieving 50 years of injury-free service; and Ashley N. Shelton has been appointed as the Railway Supply Institute's (RSI) Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs.
KBHF recently announced that retired BNSF President and CEO Carl Ice will be inducted to the hall of fame on Oct. 4, which is scheduled to be held at the Emporia State University School of Business and Technology to mark the 35th occasion, according to a WIBW report.
“Business leaders selected by the KBHF Board of Directors for induction into the hall are widely known for their contributions to Kansas and for being role models to future business leaders,” said KBHF Executive Director John Rich. “KBHF recognizes historical contributors and present-day leaders who have made private enterprise work in Kansas and throughout the country.”
KBHF indicated that the Board of Directors consists of business and community leaders from across the Sunflower State and from Kansas universities who recognize leaders of the state’s business community, according to the WIBW report.
Ice, who was named Railway Age’s Railroader of the Year in 2016, served as President of BNSF from 2010, and President and CEO from 2014 until his retirement in 2020. He retired after 42 years with the company and was succeeded by Katie Farmer.
CSX announced Aug. 18 via an X (formerly Twitter) post that Locomotive Engineer Thomas Demps, Jr., has been honored for achieving 50 years of injury-free service at the Class I railroad.
“Thomas, with his positive attitude and dedicated work ethic, has been a distinguished employee and a role model for younger generations of railroads,” CSX wrote in the post. “Congratulations, Thomas, and thank you for your service to CSX!”
RSI announced Aug. 21 that Ashley N. Shelton has been appointed as its Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs, effective Sept. 12.
Shelton, who replaces Nicole Brewin, comes to RSI with a background in legislation, having held various positions in the Office of U.S. Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) since April 2013. During this time, she managed staff and worked closely with members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. including on issues related to Rep. Crawford’s role as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. On a more personal note, she is a proud Arkansan with a deep appreciation for the contributions of manufacturing.
As Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs, Shelton will work closely with RSI’s Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC), as well as RSI members, technical staff, strategic partners and lawmakers to advance RSI’s legislative interests.
“We are delighted to welcome Ashley,” said RSI President Patty Long. “Ashley brings with her a wealth of knowledge in transportation, infrastructure and manufacturing issues, having worked closely with key legislators, RSI members and relevant constituents over the past decade. I’m confident that she will make impactful contributions to RSI and the rail supply industry.”
“I am honored to join the Railway Supply Institute,” said Shelton. “As the only association representing the complete supply chain of the railroad system, RSI’s advocacy is critical for its member companies, which are essential to the U.S. supply chain and economy. I am excited to join the dedicated team and promote the high quality, U.S.-made products that keep goods moving throughout the country.”
