INRD
INRD on Feb. 5 announced that Jason Blakeman has joined the railroad as Director, Safety & Training. He will be responsible for leading the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of all safety and craft training programs within the organization. His role includes “ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations, as well as fostering a culture of safety commitment across all levels of the organization,” according to INRD.
Blakeman is a skilled railroader with more than 20 years of experience in the railroad industry. He began his career with BNSF, where he held various roles including Conductor/Locomotive Engineer, Manager of Safety, and Superintendent of Operations. He later joined Norfolk Southern as Director of Technology Optimization and Assistant Division Superintendent. Most recently, he was the Customer Operations Manager at Trinity Rail.
Blakeman has a proven record of fostering a culture of safety commitment through effective leadership, role modeling, and communication, INRD said. He has also demonstrated efficacy in process improvement, people leadership, and transportation technology.
“We are thrilled to have Jason join our team. His extensive experience and proven leadership in safety and operations will be invaluable as we continue to prioritize safety and excellence in our operations. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our organization,” said INRD President and CEO Joe Gioe.
UTLX/Procor
UTLX and Procor Limited, part of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, have announced key leadership changes and a strategic consolidation of their operations across North America. This significant initiative, the companies say, “reflects their commitment to delivering a more seamless, coordinated experience for their valued customers.”
Under this new structure, UTLX and Procor will unify their operations across North America, “creating a more streamlined organization designed to foster collaboration, increase efficiency and enhance customer service. The move is part of a larger strategy to align resources, expertise and leadership to better serve the dynamic needs of their customers and industry.”
“At UTLX and Procor, we are always striving to anticipate the needs of our customers and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry,” said Neil Finn, President, UTLX and Procor. “By consolidating our operations and realigning our leadership team, we are strengthening our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality products and services to our customers across North America.”
The leadership changes include:
- Kate Suprenuk, President of Leasing and Manufacturing: Former President of Railcar Leasing North America, Suprenuk now leads UTLX and Procor’s leasing and manufacturing businesses, including the Alexandria, Louisiana, tank car manufacturing facility and the McKenzie Valve and Machining manufacturing facility in McKenzie, Tenn. With more than 30 years of experience, including nearly 20 years at GE Capital’s Intermodal and Railcar Leasing divisions where she served as Chief Financial Officer, Suprenuk brings extensive rail industry expertise to her new role.
- Jeremy DeLacerda, President of Engineering, Quality, and Repair: Previously serving as President of UTLX and Procor Shop Operations and Manufacturing, DeLacerda will now focus on enterprise-wide oversight of engineering and quality while continuing to lead the repair shop network. DeLacerda has held numerous leadership roles at UTLX and other Marmon businesses throughout his more than 20 years in the industry, including the successful management of UTLX’s manufacturing business for the past 12 years.
- Randy Pocrnick, Senior Vice President of Leasing Sales and Marketing: In this new role, Pocrnick will lead the sales, marketing, customer experience and related continuous improvement efforts across both companies. Pocrnick brings extensive rail industry experience to his new position, having held significant roles in customer service, sales management and marketing throughout his 38 years at Procor, including his most recent role as President of Procor Leasing.
The consolidation process, the companies say, is already under way, with an emphasis on “minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smooth transition for customers, employees and other partners.” UTLX and Procor say they remain “deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and operational excellence throughout this transformation.”
“Our new structure is built on the principles of unity and progress,” said Finn. “This is more than an operational shift; it’s a cultural commitment to deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”
