GPA
GPA announced Feb. 10 that Kevin Price has been appointed as President reporting to CEO Griff Lynch, effective July 1, 2026, with a longer-term transition plan to assume the role of President and CEO in mid-2027.
According to GPA, Price is a “proven operations executive with exceptional credentials” and currently serves as President of Gateway Terminals in Savannah. He has more than 30 years of experience in multiple leadership roles, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Virginia International Terminals, prior to Gateway Terminals.
“Georgia Ports’ long-term approach with its employees, customers, business partners and infrastructure investments are competitive differentiators. I look forward to working closely with Griff, the Board of Directors and the rest of the Georgia Ports employees to keep building their future momentum and winning trajectory,” said Price.
“I am very excited to have Kevin joining our team. This is a big win for the Georgia Ports and only makes us stronger. He is a proven industry executive whose extensive terminal operations expertise, in-depth knowledge and strong working relationships in Savannah and beyond make him a natural choice for the role. Kevin and I will ensure a seamless transition over the next 18 months,” said Lynch.
Sound Transit
Sound Transit on Feb. 10 announced a series of hiring updates that, the agency says, “strengthens its executive team at an important moment in its history. These experienced leaders will help Sound Transit advance capital projects as quickly as possible, while continuing to drive operational success throughout the agency.”
“This year marks a pivotal chapter in Sound Transit’s history,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “With major Link expansions reaching completion, our Enterprise Initiative driving long-term financial stability, and preparations underway for the 2026 World Cup, these leadership additions equip the agency to seize the moment and deliver transformational transit investments that will benefit generations to come.”
Jessyn Farrell joined Sound Transit on Feb. 9 as Executive Director of Government and Community Relations. A long-time transit advocate, Farrell brings experience across the public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, including service as a Washington State legislator for the 46th District, Executive Director of Transportation Choices, and most recently Deputy Mayor for the City of Seattle. In her Sound Transit role, Farrell will lead the agency’s legislative engagement and partnership strategies with local, state and federal stakeholders.
“I’m excited to join Sound Transit at this crucial moment,” said Farrell. “I look forward to building upon strong partnerships with local and state government partners, ensuring we can continue to expand safe, reliable transit for future generations.”
Marshall Foster also joined Sound Transit on Feb. 9 as Chief Planning and Development Officer, a role in which he leads the newly established Office of Planning and Development within the agency’s Executive Department. With more than 25 years of experience in large-scale project planning and development, Foster will “help ensure the agency can plan effectively not only for major capital projects but can also deliver an agency-wide strategy for both growing and maintaining a high-quality regional transit system.” With the support of the CEO, the Executive Department, Sound Transit says, “will enable the agency to take a proactive role with local partners in maximizing opportunities for place-making and transit-oriented development and evolve and adapt the transit system to changing needs over time.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Sound Transit at what is a consequential moment,” said Foster. “We are building a light rail system that will reshape our region, which brings with it unparalleled opportunities to create vital public spaces and connected communities around the new system. My goal in this new role will be to lift up and align planning functions across the agency—to ensure we are planning for the long-term, creating partnerships that deliver great projects, and make the most of every opportunity to bring benefit to the region we serve.”
Sound Transit also announced the return of Brooke Belman as Agency Deputy CEO, effective Feb. 23. A former Sound Transit leader with nearly two decades of experience at the agency, most recently as Interim CEO and Deputy CEO of System Expansion. Among her many accomplishments, she led the development of the agency’s first Equitable Transit-Oriented Development policy, reimagining the program in service of creating transformational affordable housing projects near agency facilities. Belman will support strategic planning, build relationships with the Federal Transit Administration, and co-lead the Senior Leadership Team. Her return “brings deep institutional knowledge and trusted leadership at a critical moment for the agency’s capital program and long-term priorities,” the agency noted.
“I’m thrilled to return to Sound Transit and help lead the agency into its next chapter,” said Belman. “Sound Transit’s staff is truly among the best in the industry, and it’s an absolute privilege to rejoin this exceptional organization. Working alongside the leadership team, we will advance strategic planning, enhance the service our riders rely on, strengthen partnerships, and deliver capital projects that will shape and connect our region for generations.”
RBMN
Reading & Northern Railroad on Feb. 10 announced that Jim Raffa has been promoted to the position of Chief Marketing Officer.
Raffa began his railroad career in 1989 with Reading & Northern’s predecessor, the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad, as a trackman. After the Reading & Northern Railroad was formed in December 1990, he transitioned to Coal Traffic Manager and Real Estate Manger. In 2007, Raffa accepted an ownership position with Lehigh Railway and Luzerne & Susquehanna Railway. In 2020, after the sale of those rail lines to R.J. Corman, Raffa returned to Reading & Northern to manage the petrochemical and minerals accounts, including the natural gas and Marcellus Shale business. He was named Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales last year. In addition to the petrochemical and mineral business Raffa assured management of Reading & Northern’s industrial development department. In his new capacity, Raffa will be assisting CEO Andy Muller, Jr.; Executive Vice President Christina Muller-Levan; and President Wayne Michel on strategic and commercial issues, including railroad acquisitions and the potential Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger. Raffa will continue to report to Wayne Michel.
When Raffa was hired, Michel said, “Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time serving at the Lehigh Railway and Luzerne & Susquehanna Railway. His knowledge of the region and his experience handling frac sand opportunities are critical to us as we continue to grow our railroad and business.”
“Jim has done an amazing job in growing our frac sand business, as he oversaw the creation and building of our Tunkhannock transload operation, which will handle over 4,000 carloads of sand this year. As we embark on expansion opportunities, including in Luzerne County, Jim is the perfect person to ensure that we offer exceptional service to the new Reading & Northern customers as well as continuing our focus on service to all our existing customers,” said Mullen.
Raffa has more than 35 years of railroad experience, specializing in business development, project management, marketing and operations. He was born and raised in Schuylkill County and has a passion for railroads, especially around his hometown of Schuylkill Haven. Raffa graduated from Penn State University in 1988 and has a B.S. in mathematics with a minor in secondary education. He has also completed some graduate courses, working towards a master’s degree in education.
