IANA
The IANA Board of Directors on Dec. 5 announced the election of its 2026 Officers, slated to assume their roles on Jan. 1, 2026.
Christopher Brach, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Radiant Road & Rail was elected as the Chair of the Board. Brach started at the multimodal service provider in 2003 after graduating from Marquette University. He progressed through several roles, including the organization’s Vice President of Operations, before he assumed his current position in January of 2020.
The Board also elected Shawn Tureman, Vice President of Intermodal & Automotive at Norfolk Southern Corporation, as Vice Chair, as well as EJ Bronwasser, Vice President of Operations at Milestone Equipment Holdings, as Treasurer.
“I am honored by the confidence the Board has placed in me as it focuses on evolving and energizing the association,” said Brach, first elected to the Board in 2022. “IANA provides a critical service to its members, and I look forward to working with Shawn and EJ to expand the value it provides to all of our membership through the term of our officer roles and beyond.”
Joining the 2026 Board for three-year terms are the newly elected and re-elected members: Shelli Austin of InTek Logistics, Jeffrey R. Brashares of CMA CGM America, Andrew Johnson of CSX Transportation, Kevin Lhotak of Reliable Transportation Specialists, and Dennis Monts of PayCargo.
“Congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected Officers and Directors. I look forward to their collaboration in the coming year as we seek to advance IANA’s mission,” said IANA President and CEO Anne Reinke.
Continuing their service on the Board of Directors are Ronnie Armstrong of Ocean Network Express (North America), Donna Lemm of IMC Logistics, Garry Old from COFC Logistics, Kari Kirchhoefer of Union Pacific Railroad Company, and Bob Milazzo of MSC Inc.
Harbor Logistics
Harbor Logistics on Dec. 11 announced that Jason Essenberg has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Business Development. Essenberg, who reports to Harbor CEO Kevin Shuba, will lead Harbor’s customer growth strategy, “strengthening partnerships across the Southeast and expanding the company’s service and geographic footprint.”
“Jason brings a deep understanding of transportation, logistics and customer operations that aligns perfectly with Harbor’s commitment to strategic growth,” said Shuba. “His leadership experience and proven ability to build lasting customer relationships make him a tremendous addition to our executive team. Jason’s combination of industry insight, commercial drive and focus on service excellence will be vital as we continue expanding our presence in key markets.”
Essenberg joins Harbor Logistics with more than two decades of experience in supply chain and logistics management, including leadership roles in operations, business development and strategic partnerships. He most recently was Vice President of TrueBlue Inc., a provider of specialized workforce solutions based in Chicago. Prior to TrueBlue, he worked his way up the corporate ladder to President of Kontane Logistics, a dedicated third-party logistics provider with multiple locations throughout the Southeast.
“I am thrilled to join Harbor Logistics at such an exciting time for our business as well as our industry. It is clear to me that Harbor has built a robust reputation for performance, reliability, and trust. I look forward to partnering with current and new clients to strategically grow a meaningful business encompassing the Southeast and beyond.”
SLSI
SLSI announced Dec. 15 that Chris Machenberg has been hired as Hazardous Materials Program Director. Machenberg, who will succeed John Walsh when he retires in January 2026, brings more than two decades of railroad experience specifically in hazardous materials safety, with a record of transforming culture, improving safety, and improving quality of programs delivered.
As Hazardous Materials Program Director, Machenberg will oversee the delivery of a wide array of training programs, delivered in person and online for safety professionals on railroads, and for first responders.
His nearly 30-year railroading career encompasses craft roles, including conductor, locomotive engineer, and yardmaster; management roles such as trainmaster; and increasing levels of responsibility for hazardous materials shipments and safety, including as Director of Hazardous Materials and Chemical Safety. Machenberg served as a representative on the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Tank Car Committee which included one term as Chairman of the committee. Most recently, he was Deputy Staff Director, Hazardous Materials – Field Operations, Federal Railroad Administration.
“We are pleased to have Chris join our team,” said Tom Murta, Executive Director, Short Line Safety Institute. “His experience from a boots-on-the-ground craft employee to the highest levels of hazmat program management in the rail industry, coupled with his experience at FRA, will benefit any railroad that takes advantage of our hazardous materials training programs.”
“Under John Walsh’s leadership, the hazardous materials program offered by the SLSI has grown from a single training course to a robust suite of offerings for railroads, including training for first responders, transportation emergency response plans, online refresher courses, HazMat safety tips, and other resources,” said Murta. “John’s impact on our program offerings has been transformational and has benefitted railroads and first responders across the country. We wish John the very best in his retirement.”
To date, the SLSI has provided training to 5,603 individuals from 1,053 organizations throughout 202 training events.
“The Short Line Safety Institute has a proud history of delivering meaningful and well-received hazmat training to short line railroads and first responders. In my career, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong safety culture, coupled with consistent and exceptional training delivers results. I’m looking forward to assisting the industry in reducing risk and increasing preparedness for any hazmat incident,” said Machenberg.
