Short Line Safety Institute Names Executive Director
WASHINGTON – December 14, 2015 – The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has selected Ron Hynes to advance its mission of providing the leadership to enhance the safety culture and safety conformance of short line and regional railroads.
“Ron brings the breadth of experience we were seeking in this position,” said Linda Darr, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). “His mostrecent experience leading Federal Railroad Administration’s technical division involving rail safety and the surrounding culture necessary to increase safety performance will enable Ron to quickly make an impact and guide the next steps of the institute.”
Ron Hynes brings more than 40 years of railroad experience to the position, beginning his career with the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad. Ron has served in a variety of rail industry positions including the National Transportation Safety Board, where he oversaw Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations; the Federal Transit Administration where he led a variety of safety research projects; and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) where he provided policy vision and direction for the development of the National Rail Plan, and evaluated and recommended TIGER grant selections. Most recently, Ron served as FRA’s Director, Office of Technical Oversight where he provided leadership to twelve technical divisions and served as Chair of the FRA’s Safety Board.
“Ron’s career has uniquely prepared him for this position,” said Ed McKechnie, Chairman of ASLRRA. “Beginning his career with a short line railroad, gaining experience in the organizations that regulate our industry – particularly around safety, and his depth of knowledge about the rail industry in both passenger and freight rail assignments will enable him to provide the necessary guidance to achieve the institute’s goals.”
SLSI is charged with heightening the intensity of the safety focus and involvement of short line and regional railroads and their management by combining ongoing assessments, feedback, communication, and recommended improvements and best practices.
“My experience over my career has always been led by a commitment to safety improvement,” explained Ron Hynes. “The SLSI will bring value as a safety improvement resource to the railroad industry and ASLRRA’s nearly 500 short line members specifically. I look forward to guiding this effort.”
Mr. Hynes will join SLSI on January 4, 2016.