Acheson was honored at an awards presentation during the 2025 National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, Inc. (NRC) Conference and NRC-Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) Exhibition.
“LRW’s Woman of the Year Advisory Committee was impressed by Eldie’s unwavering commitment to creating pathways of opportunity for women and other minorities across the Amtrak organization,” said LRW President Lisa Tackach . “She has championed diversity across our industry, as well as accessibility for Amtrak passengers throughout the system. We learned of her impending retirement, post-selection, and are honored to have her represent the League of Railway Women as the 2024 Railway Woman of the Year as she wraps up her remarkable career.”
Acheson has been part of Amtrak for 18 years, having recently stepped down as the company’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, effective October 1, 2024, as she is scheduled to retire from Amtrak effective February 1, 2025.
Acheson established Amtrak Law Department’s first Diversity Committee, founded Amtrak’s women’s professional group, Notch 8, and played an integral role in Amtrak’s ADA compliance throughout her tenure. Prior to joining Amtrak, Acheson was appointed by President William J. Clinton to serve as the Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of Policy Development (2003). She also advised the Attorney General, other DOJ senior leadership, the counsel to the President and White House advisors on legal policy issues, serving in that position until January 2001.
Prior to her appointment in the DOJ, Acheson spent 19 years as a trial attorney at a private law firm.
The Woman of the Year Advisory Committee, comprised of former Woman of the Year recipients, led by LRW Awards Chair, Denise Williams, recommends an award recipient to the LRW Board of Directors each year.
