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ASLRRA is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2025 Safety Person of the Year Award is Matt Lane, general manager of Pioneer Valley Railroad (PVRR), and the winner of the 2025 Safety Professional of the Year Award is Herman Crosson, chief safety and compliance officer at Anacostia Rail Holdings Company.
“Operating safely, being your brother’s keeper, is a cornerstone of the short line railroad ethos,” said Chuck Baker, President, ASLRRA. “Making sure everyone gets home safely every night takes a concerted effort by railroad professionals to build a work culture that puts safe practices at the forefront of operations. Safety Person of the Year Matt Lane and Safety Professional of the Year Herman Crosson have consistently demonstrated this commitment. They are collaborative leaders who work with their teams to improve safety, emphasizing feedback, transparency and trust. We look forward to honoring them in front of their industry peers at our upcoming Annual Conference.”
Lane does not take a wait-and-see approach to safety at the PVRR. As the PVRR’s General Manager, he actively looks for ways to improve safety, working with management at parent company Pinsly Railroad Company and general managers at other Pinsly railroads on safety programs while continuously collaborating with his PVRR team to improve day-to-day operations.
“Matt is a pro-active leader, always looking around the bend to identify issues before they arise,” said Ryan Ratledge, CEO, Pinsly Railroad Company. “He does an excellent job communicating with the team and giving all the employees an opportunity to collaborate on safety-related topics, asking for feedback and soliciting suggestions. Matt’s leadership style and focus on safety creates a top-tiered safety culture at PVRR.”
Like Lane, Crosson values collaboration on safety issues and is described as a servant leader and a true people person. Crosson builds relationships to help foster safety communication and safe behavior. He is known to be approachable, respectful and open to others’ feedback. He emphasizes open communication and will go out of his way to research questions if he cannot immediately provide an answer. As a career railroader who got his start as a freight conductor, engineer and later road foreman, Crosson not only understands what safety performance is at different levels, he can relate to team members who face the same hazards he once faced.
“Herman is an excellent leader and communicator, traits that were honed during his many years of service in the military. His steadfast dedication to a quality safety process is much needed in the short line industry. Driving a positive safety program with superior results takes effort, commitment, and dedication, three qualities that Herman excels in. Herman is a genuine person. What you see is what you get from him. This character trait drives positive relationships which enhances his ability to produce positive safety results for Anacostia and the industry as a whole,” said Anacostia’s Senior Director of Human Resources David Hankins.
The Safety Person and Safety Professional of the Year Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated consistent and committed leadership in safety on their railroad, holding their peers accountable to each other. The Safety Professional recipient must produce demonstrable results in safety as a member of the leadership team, while the Safety Person recipient motivates others to perform safely by example, regardless of their position. Both spend significant time off-duty providing safety awareness and other social services in their communities.
Click here to learn more about Safety Person of the Year Lane, and click here to learn more about Safety Professional of the Year Crosson.
(Left) Pioneer Valley Railroad General Manager Matt Lane is the winner of ASLRRA's 2025 Safety Person of the Year Award.
(Right) Anacostia Rail Holdings Chief Safety and Compliance Officer Herman Crosson is the winner of ASLRRA's 2025 Safety Professional of the Year Award.
Comments submitted by ASLRRA and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) call the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) proposed rule on cyber risk management well-intentioned but note it focuses on issues that do not bolster cybersecurity programs.
According to ASLRRA and AAR, the proposed rule would place unnecessary demands on railroad operations and create needless expenses. These could have the further effect of detracting from railroads’ current security efforts.
One of the associations’ primary concerns is the rule’s governance provisions. This includes language concerning development of a Cybersecurity Operational Implementation Plan, which contains overly burdensome requirements including the identification of multiple cybersecurity coordinators and an accountable executive distinct from those coordinators.
The associations are also concerned, among other things, about the methodology for identifying critical cyber systems including the inclusion of positive train control (PTC) as a critical cyber system. Ultimately both ASLRRA and AAR ask TSA to amend the rule to correct overly burdensome governance provisions, clarify other points, remove the rule’s supply chain management proposal and harmonize reporting requirements.
Part of leadership is understanding the challenges employees face. This is especially true in an industry like railroading, where there are many federal regulations and company practices in place to ensure safe operations.
To provide railroad managers with more insight into the workings of federal regulatory agencies and the rules that affect front-line employees, ASLRRA is proud to offer the only industry training of its kind, the ASLRRA Leadership Program – Regulatory Module. This year, the seminar will be held in Freeport, Maine May 6 to 7. Click here to register before all spots are filled.
The Leadership Program – Regulatory Module is intended for managers, supervisors and anyone else involved in leading day-to-day railroad operations. Attendees learn about the federal agencies that regulate railroads and key regulations governing them. They will also partake in leadership training that involves interactive discussions with expert instructors and industry peers.
ASLRRA also offers training in other areas, and one of particular importance to railroads is drug and alcohol regulation under 49 CFR Part 219. There are only a few spots left in ASLRRA’s Part 219 training, which will be held Feb. 22 to 25 in San Diego, California. Along with two days of training that cover all drug and alcohol rules and requirements for railroads and contractors, the third day features presentations and discussions specifically designed for short line railroad Designated Employer Representatives (DERs). Click here to register for this seminar.
These are only two of the eight in-person training seminars being offered this year by the Association. Visit the Training Seminars webpage to view the list, find more information and register for these events.
Employees of small railroads are eligible for scholarships to help them attend important industry training. Click here to learn more about ASLRRA’s scholarship opportunities.
The Short Line Railroad Tax Credit Modernization Act, H.R. 516, has officially gained over 20 cosponsors since last week’s meetings with ASLRRA members, with more elected officials expected to join the list in the coming days. The bill was first introduced less than a month ago by Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).
Last Wednesday, ASLRRA staff, members of the Association’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) and other stakeholders participated in over 120 meetings with congressional offices to highlight the value of the tax credit and the importance of updating its terms to accommodate rising costs and more short line track.
ASLRRA is grateful to lawmakers and their staff members who agreed to meet with railroaders to discuss the bill and the tax credit, which is often referred to simply as 45G. The Association’s government affairs team continues to follow up with these offices to answer any lingering questions about railroads, short lines and 45G.
While momentum behind the bill may be growing, ASLRRA recognizes there is more work to be done to get the measure passed in Congress. The Association encourages individuals to reach out to their elected officials and encourage them to support H.R. 516. Those needing more information about 45G and its effects can download and share ASLRRA’s 45G policy paper.
Another way to participate in this advocacy effort is to register to participate in Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, which will be held May 7. This annual event brings together railroaders from across the country who will exercise their right to petition the government and speak freely about concerns for their industry.
Click here to learn more about Railroad Day on Capitol Hill and find a link to register.
All of ASLRRA’s individual award winners have been announced, and the Association is looking forward to honoring them at the 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Denver, Colorado.
At the Monday General Session, ASLRRA will recognize Safety Person of the Year Matt Lane of Pioneer Valley Railroad Company, and Safety Professional of the Year Herman Crosson of Anacostia Rail Holdings Company. Also being honored is Schlosser Distinguished Service Award winner Ed McKechnie.
At the Tuesday General Session, ASLRRA will induct the members of the 2025 Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame, Ron Batory, K. Earl Durden and Henry Posner III. Durden is being honored posthumously and his son, Michael Durden, will accept the award on his behalf.
Recognizing the accomplishments of rail industry professionals is one of the highlights of the conference. During the general sessions ASLRRA will also honor member companies that are this year’s winners of its Veterans Engagement, Business Development and Environmental Awards.
Another highlight of the Annual Conference is the chance to network with other rail professionals and industry stakeholders. ASLRRA is offering this opportunity in a more informal setting, at a special event to be held Tuesday afternoon at Lucky Strike. Lucky Strike offers boutique bowling, an arcade and other games like pool, air hockey, cornhole and foosball. This event is free for registered attendees who are Class II and III railroad employees.
Register today for the conference and join industry colleagues in Denver.
MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS TODAY! Several conference hotel blocks are already sold out. Click here to go to ASLRRA’s event lodging page for information regarding room availability, rates, booking deadlines and direct links to each hotel.
One of the special events planned for ASLRRA's Annual Conference will be held at Lucky Strike in Denver. It offers networking opportunities in a more informal setting, with free entry for registered attendees who are employees of Class II and III member railroads.
What are the latest ways Association members can engage with ASLRRA? What is ASLRRA’s most recent call-to-action? Below are some of the different types of information the Association would love to gather.
ASLRRA welcomes its newest team member, Lauren Schlechte, who will be the Association’s manager, meetings.
As part of the meetings team, Schlechte will help with the planning and execution of events including the Annual Conference and Exhibition, Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, regional meetings and yearly legal and finance seminars. She will also assist with developing meeting materials, selling sponsorships and exhibit booths, managing Association contacts and more.
Schlechte brings over 10 years of experience in sales, catering and event management, with a strong background in areas such as contract negotiation and meeting planning. Prior to joining ASLRRA she was meetings manager at an Arkansas-based association management company.
Schlechte is new to the railroad industry, but that only adds to her motivation.
“I’m eager to dive into the world of railroads and short lines," said Schlechte. "I find it fascinating how these networks keep goods and communities connected, and I’m excited to learn more about the people behind the industry—how they work together to overcome challenges and keep things literally moving.”
In her new role at ASLRRA, Schlechte is looking forward to doing more than helping meetings run smoothly. She hopes to create events that facilitate relationship building among members and offer lasting takeaways. She enjoys event planning because she relishes bringing people together to connect and learn. And the fact that no two events are the same “keeps things exciting and challenging.”
Schlechte attended Arkansas Tech University and holds a certification in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University. She is based in Arkansas, which she loves exploring with her husband and two dogs. She also enjoys hockey and is passionate about traveling, especially “discovering new cities, trying local restaurants, and finding those hidden gems that make each place special.”
In her spare time, ASLRRA's new Manager, Meetings Lauren Schlechte enjoys exploring her home state of Arkansas with her husband and two dogs.
ASLRRA members have exclusive access to downloadable Drug and Alcohol Educational Materials, including posters, a Part 219 educational brochure, affidavit templates and employer review documents, designed in consultation with subject matter experts on the Association’s Safety and Training Committee.
The members-only educational-materials webpage also features links to webinar recordings addressing Part 219 control of alcohol and drug use, and covering regulatory requirements, testing programs and issues, and educational materials for railroads. All recordings can also be found in ASLRRA’s On-Demand Webinar library.
Industry experts in ASLRRA's Member Discount Program can assist member railroads in the preparation and submission of a number of different grant applications at the federal, state and local levels.
As a preferred provider of grant writing services, Colliers Engineering and Design offers discounted rates, industry expertise, and exceptional service to ASLRRA members. Visit ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program page and select Grant Writing Services to learn more about Colliers and other exceptional preferred providers.
For the sixth week in a row, JR Gelnar traveled on behalf of ASLRRA members to discuss important industry topics. This week, Gelnar was at Norfolk Southern headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia to attend a meeting of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-way Employees and Signalmen (FAMES) Committee. The group reviewed a fatality and added it to the committee database. They also discussed the scheduling of 2025 field visits.
Aram Gavoor, Associate Dean and Professor at The George Washington University Law School, will discuss emergency authorities granted to agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to regulate the railroad industry and others, separate from rulemaking procedures memorialized in the Administrative Procedures Act. Prof. Gavoor will be joined by ASLRRA SVP & General Counsel Sarah Yurasko for a facilitated audience Q&A session following the presentation.
Presented by:
Several subject-matter experts have joined ASLRRA to offer webinars discussing topics related to human resources. Recordings of these webinars are available to members at any time online. Look for the titles below in ASLRRA’s On-Demand Webinar Library, then browse the Association’s other recordings on a wide variety of issues including finance, communications and technology.
Visit ASLRRA’s webinar homepage and log in to view all the on-demand offerings in the Association’s webinar library.
The Association of Car Accounting and Car Services Officers (ACACSO) will hold its annual meeting May 7 to 9 at the Hyatt Place-St John’s Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida.
The organization works to advance rules and methods for improving the handling of railroad freight cars, trailers and containers and the maintaining of records and accounts related to this equipment. The upcoming conference will feature presentations, workshops and discussions on these topics and is recommended for railroaders and private equipment owners.
Learn more at the ACACSO website.
Click here for a calendar of industry events.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
