RailWorks
Matt Violin is taking on a new role: Chief Commercial Officer at RailWorks, a provider of track construction, electrical systems construction, maintenance services, and products throughout the United States and Canada for major transit authorities, Class I and short line railroads, and rail-served commercial and industrial companies. Violin served previously as Vice President of Sales for the company’s NARSTCO division. He will now focus on expanding RailWorks’ market presence and accelerating strategic growth initiatives across North America.
“Matt’s connection to railroading runs deep,” RailWorks reported May 2. “Raised in a family with a strong foundation in rail contracting, he has built a distinguished career rooted in both heritage and innovation. Since joining the RailWorks family in 2008 through its NARSTCO division, Matt has risen steadily through the ranks—from Regional Sales Manager to National Sales Manager and ultimately Vice President of Sales—consistently surpassing performance targets and building strong industry relationships.”
Violin has more than 20 years of rail industry experience. Prior to joining RailWorks, he was President of Euro Rail Equipment and gained foundational experience in the industry through his family’s business, Violin Railroad Construction Co.
Violin holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Lake Superior State University, where he also competed as an NCAA Division I hockey player. He currently serves on the REMSA Board of Directors and is Vice Chair of the NRC’s Education & Scholarship Committee.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt to the executive leadership team,” RailWorks President and CEO Kevin Riddett said. “His deep industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and passion for rail infrastructure position him perfectly to help shape the next chapter of our company’s growth.”
Further Reading:
- Rail Reinforcers
- RailWorks Continues to Bring Advanced Track Technology to North America
- RailWorks Co-Workers Performed Life Saving CPR on L.K. Comstock Project
NRLC
Kristin Beckner has been elevated to Managing Director of Labor Relations and Benefits at NRLC, an association representing all U.S. Class I railroads and many smaller freight and passenger lines. Through its National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), NRLC leads national negotiations with the 12 major rail labor organizations*.
With more than a decade of labor relations experience in the freight rail industry, Beckner has been part of the NRLC team for four-plus years, most recently as the Director of Labor Relations. Prior to that, she held multiple labor relations roles at Norfolk Southern. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech.
“The NRLC congratulates Kristin Beckner on her well-deserved promotion to Managing Director of Labor Relations and Benefits,” said Jeff Rodgers, Chairman of the NRLC and the NCCC. “We look forward to her continued leadership on behalf of the railroad industry and its employees.”
Separately, NCCC on May 1 reported the ratification of a national collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Machinists, which represents approximately 4,900 freight rail members.
* The unions are: International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Div. (SMART-TD & SMART-TD-YDM); Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE); Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET); Brotherhood Railway Carmen (BRC); Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS); International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); Transportation Communications International Union (TCU); National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO); American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA); International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Blacksmiths, Iron Ship Builders, Forgers and Helpers (IBB).
