For STB’s RETAC, Six New Members
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Oct. 23 reported appointing six new members to its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC).
RETAC was established in July 2007 “to provide advice and guidance to the Board, and to serve as a forum for discussion of emerging issues regarding the transportation by rail of energy resources (including coal, ethanol and other biofuels),” according to the STB. The Committee comprises 25 voting members, representing a “balance of stakeholders” with interests in energy transportation by rail, including large and small railroads, coal producers, electric utilities, the biofuels industry, the petroleum industry, and the private railcar industry. The five STB members serve as ex officio members, along with representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Transportation, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The STB in August announced that it was seeking nominations for six new members representing Class I railroads (one); Class II or Class II railroads (two); biofuel feedstock growers or providers and biofuel refiners, processors and distributors (one); private car owners, car lessors or car manufacturers (one); and an at-large representative. All will hold three-year terms ending September 2026.
The new members are:
- Bryan Boaz, Rail Operations Field Supervisor, ExxonMobil; at-large member.
- Sean Brewer, Assistant Vice President of Rail Fleet Operations, ADM; biofuel representative.
- Sandra Ellis, Vice President, Bulk, CN; Class I railroad representative.
- Leila Ford, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Genesee and Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc.; short line railroad representative.
- Edward Quinn, President and CEO, R.J. Corman Railroad Group; short line railroad representative.
- Robert Zmudka, Senior Vice President of Chief Commercial Officer, GATX; private railcar industry representative.
“The six new members of RETAC bring to the committee a range of experience in the industries they represent, and we look forward to hearing their perspectives,” STB Chairman Martin Oberman said. “I continue to find it essential that the Board bring together varied voices in our stakeholder committees. I look forward to working with these new members to discuss issues related to ensuring the effective and efficient rail transportation of energy resources.”
RETAC meetings, which are open to the public, are held at least twice a year. The most recent meeting was Oct. 18.
R.J. Corman Board Member and former Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald L. Batory commented: “Throughout his extensive career, Ed Quinn has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges within the transportation sector. His successful leadership in one of the top service providers for the industry and his dedication to improving the industry’s safety and efficiency uniquely equip him to contribute positively to the Committee’s objectives.”
