Newman to lead Alaska Railroad’s ATCS department

George Newman, inset, has been promoted to senior director of ATCS succeeding Eileen Reilly.

Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad (ARRC) has promoted George Newman from director of Advanced Train Control Systems (ATCS) to senior director effective July 2.

Newman will lead the railroads ATCS department and replaces 22-year railroad veteran Eileen Reilly, who retired on July 1.

ATCS is focused on developing and implementing a fail-safe positive train control (PTC) system to prevent human errors that may cause catastrophic accidents. ARRC estimates it will spend $171 million fully implementing the technology. According to the railroad’s most updated PTC Fact Sheet, a subdivision of track is scheduled to revenue service demonstration in August, which will allow the railroad to apply for an extension of the PTC deadline. ARRC says it plans to have PTC fully implemented by Dec. 31, 2020.

Prior to joining Alaska Railroad in November 2016, Newman served as director of PTC at Canadian Pacific for seven years. Newman’s previous experience also includes holding several management positions within the CP Information Technology department, including manager of telecommunications, manager of information services development, and director of strategy and planning.

Newman earned an electrical engineering degree and a master of business administration degree from the University of Calgary. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) and professional engineer.

The ATCS department falls under railroad train Operations, and Newman reports to Chief Operating Officer Clark Hopp.

“George is a long-time railroader with extensive experience in PTC and related areas,” said Hopp. “I have full confidence that he will continue to build on Eileen’s considerable contributions to the Alaska Railroad’s technology and train control.”