OneRail Coalition Director Devon Barnhart announced that Paul Nissenbaum of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Mariah Morales of Amtrak are the recipients of the 2024 Canby Awards.
The awards, named for the organization’s former director, Anne Canby, are given in recognition of an individual’s “strong support for advancing rail in the U.S.” The awards were presented at an event in Washington, D.C., last week.
“The OneRail Coalition is pleased to present this year’s Canby Awards to Paul Nissenbaum and Moriah Morales in recognition of their longstanding dedication to preserving and improving the U.S. rail network,” said OneRail Coalition Board Chair and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Chuck Baker. “Their work has contributed to the increased visibility of rail across the U.S. and raised public awareness of the critical role of passenger and freight rail to the economy, public safety and the environment.”
Nissenbaum has served as Associate Administrator for Railroad Development at the FRA since January 2012, leading an office of professionals responsible for FRA’s rail investment and network development programs. He also directs technical assistance and oversight to advance rail projects. Before joining the FRA, Nissenbaum worked at Amtrak, on Capitol Hill as a Congressional staffer and as a surface transportation and environmental consultant.
Morales, who is Director, External Affairs for Amtrak, is a recognized leader both at Amtrak and in the rail industry with a track record of success driving innovative approaches to advancing passenger rail policies and initiatives. As a part of the Amtrak Government Affairs team since 2015, she has been working with Congress, coalitions and advocacy groups, as well as labor and trade associations. Prior to joining Amtrak, she was a government affairs representative for transit, transportation, and municipal clients.
“Paul’s deep expertise in rail policy, engineering, environment and financing has guided oversight of the FRA’s crucially important rail investment and network development programs, benefiting communities across the U.S. Mariah has been a steadfast leader and role model for women in the rail industry, and her can-do, positive attitude and vast network has been fundamental to growing support for passenger rail,” Barnhart said.
“We are so pleased to recognize Paul and Mariah for their long-time commitment to advancing rail as a critical part of our nation’s infrastructure and a solution to our economic and climate challenges,” said Canby.
