Former Norfolk Southern CEO Named President of Amtrak
Amtrak appointed Charles “Wick” Moorman, former CEO of Norfolk Southern Corp., as its new president, effective Sept. 1, to succeed the retiring Joe Boardman.
Moorman, 64, retired last year from the Norfolk, Virgina-based railroad that is the fourth-largest in the United States. During his four decades at the railroad, he rose to CEO in 2005 and held that post for 11 years before leaving as chairman of the board in September.
Moorman is the second Norfolk Southern executive who left the freight railroad to take the leadership at the passenger railroad. He follows W. Graham Claytor Jr., who came out of retirement in 1982 to serve in the top post at Amtrak for 12 years. Boardman was Amtrak’s president for eight years, moving into that post from the Federal Railroad Administration.
“We are very pleased that someone with Wick’s experience and vision will lead Amtrak during this critical period as the company charts a course for future growth and improvement,” Amtrak Chairman Anthony Coscia said in a statement that praised Boardman for improving Amtrak’s performance. “The board believes Wick can build upon this success in the coming year by launching initiatives to further enhance safety and customer service, modernize our operations and guide our implementation of the FAST Act.”
Moorman, who began his railroad career as a management trainee and served in operations and other posts, said he intended to advance the goals of a stronger safety and service culture at Amtrak, as he did at Norfolk Southern.
“Wick’s deep operational background and track record of building teams and driving innovation is exactly what we need to provide unparalleled service to the more than 500 communities we serve,” said Vice Chairman Jeffrey Moreland. “We are confident that, working together with the board, Wick can formulate a strong plan to take Amtrak to the next level and assemble the management team and expertise to carry it forward.”
Boardman announced his intention to retire last year.
