Alaska Railroad Board elects Leary as new Chair

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) Board of Directors elected a new Board Chair, Linda Leary, during a regular board meeting on February 16. Governor Sean Parnell appointed Leary to the ARRC Board in October 2009. Outgoing Chair John Binkley expressed his confidence in Leary's transportation experience and leadership as she accepted the post. "After 13 years leading the Alaska Railroad Board, I have asked board member Linda Leary to step up as chair. Linda's abilities and temperament will serve her well as she leads the board and the corporation," said Binkley. "It has been an extraordinary privilege and honor to have worked with the Alaska Railroad and its great people. I've served through four governors, four CEOs and more than 25 fellow board members, and this time has been remarkable and memorable." The board collectively thanked Binkley for his dedicated leadership through many transitions. Binkley remains on the Board as a director. "Transportation has been near and dear to me for a long time and I am excited about the railroad's future. I look forward to working with the board to pursue economic opportunities and address the pressing issues at hand," said Leary. Leary is president and co-owner of Carlile Transportation Systems. She has worked for Carlile for more than 25 years in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. An active member of the community, she serves on the United Way Executive Cabinet, and on the boards of the Resource Development Council of Alaska, State Chamber, Associated General Contractors, Breast Cancer Focus, Inc., and Rasmuson Foundation. She is also an Honorary Commander for Elmendorf AFB 3rd Logistics Squadron. Raised in Maine, Leary earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine. After moving to Alaska, she earned a masters degree in logistics management from UAA. As part of the board's annual election of officers, former Governor Bill Sheffield remains as ARRC Board Vice Chairman, and ARRC Vice President of Corporate & Governmental Affairs Wendy Lindskoog remains as Board Secretary.