RailAmerica chief commercial officer to retire

Charlie Patterson, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of RailAmerica Inc. plans to retire, effective December 31, 2011.

Patterson served in key roles at CSX Transportation, Great Lakes Transportation and Canadian National before joining RailAmerica when the company was taken private in early 2007. During his nearly five years at the helm, Patterson effectively boosted RailAmerica’s revenues, strengthened the marketing and sales teams and brought focus and direction to both non-freight revenues and industrial development.

“Charlie takes with him our thanks and best wishes,” said RailAmerica President and CEO John Giles.