People News: Amtrak, STV

Amtrak

Byl Herrmann on Oct. 1 will transition from Amtrak’s Vice President and Senior Managing Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary to the new position of Executive Vice President and General Counsel. He succeeds Eldie Acheson, who has served as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary since 2007. Acheson will remain with Amtrak through January 2025 in her Corporate Secretary and Ethics Officer roles. Herrmann will assume both roles in February 2025.

Herrmann joined Amtrak’s Law Department in 1999 and has risen through the ranks to his current role, managing or closely overseeing litigation, corporate transactions, legal compliance, and the Corporate Secretary’s office. He also spent a year as Vice President Human Resources. Earlier in his career, Herrmann was a labor relations attorney in the Administrations of New York City Mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins and Rudolph Giuliani.

“Byl has helped guide the evolution of Amtrak’s Law Department and corporate development over many decades and brings a comprehensive and deep knowledge of all facets of the company,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “He’s the right person to help lead the company forward as we build a new era of rail in the United States, building upon the strong legacy set by his predecessor, Eldie Acheson.”

In other Amtrak news, General Chairpersons Francis Ariola (GO 663) and Rick Pauli (GO 769), who handle the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ (SMART-TD) Amtrak properties, on Sept. 24 announced a new ratified seven-year agreement with Amtrak. Approved by a 3-1 margin, the agreement brings increases in pay, training and healthcare to more than 2,100 members.

STV

As Vice President and Newark Area Manager, Transportation Northeast Operating Group, Miguel Santiago will spearhead local business development and growth initiatives at STV, a professional services firm that plans, designs and manages infrastructure projects across North America.

Santiago has more than 29 years of experience managing and designing various types of structures, such as railroad and highway bridges (fixed and movable), retaining walls, and sign structures; his work has included construction support services, constructability reviews, specification development, value engineering, and leading public information sessions. Santiago has also managed various client marketing groups, overseeing strategic planning, client outreach and proposal development. Previously, he spent nearly 25 years at consultancy WSP USA, where served most recently as Vice President.

Santiago holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Rutgers University. He is a member of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority committee for the American Council of Engineering Companies New Jersey.

“Miguel’s structural engineering expertise, as well as his achievements with business development and project management will propel our Newark team forward,” said Kenneth Burkhardt, Vice President and Area Manager for the Transportation Northeast Group at STV, whose projects include the Gateway Program Hudson River Tunnel, Second Avenue Subway Phase II, Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A and Portal North Bridge Replacement. “His innovative approach to problem-solving and commitment to mentoring talent will not only enhance our projects but also strengthen our team’s capabilities, positioning us for continued success in the region.”

Separately, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction and Development recently awarded the Naik-STV Engineering Joint Venture, consisting of Naik Consulting Group PC and STV, a Program Management Consultant contract for MTA New York City Transit station upgrades.