NS restructures engineering department as Merilli retires

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern announced a restructuring of the reporting structure in its engineering department as department boss Phil Merilli retires.

The Class 1’s board of directors has elected Thomas W. “Tom” Schnautz to the newly created position of vice president advanced train control, effective May 1. Edward F. “Ed” Boyle Jr. will become vice president engineering to replace Phil Merilli upon his retirement from the company.

Both Schnautz and Boyle will report to Chief Operating Officer Michael J. “Mike” Wheeler.

Under the restructuring, Schnautz will be responsible for deploying and maintaining positive train control and other advanced technologies, communications and signals systems, and locomotives. Boyle will be responsible for the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of railroad infrastructure, including track, bridges, and vehicle fleet.

Schnautz joined Norfolk Southern in 1993 as an engineering management trainee. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in both the engineering and mechanical departments. Since June 2018, he has served in the Engineering Department as assistant vice president C&S and Advanced Train Control, leading the company’s efforts to install and implement PTC technologies.

Boyle joined the company in 1994 as an engineering management trainee. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in both the engineering and transportation departments. Since October 2015, he has served in the Engineering Department as assistant vice president maintenance of way and structures.

Merilli retires after a railroad career spanning more than 40 years. He joined an NS predecessor line in 1981 as an assistant roadmaster. During his years at NS, Merilli served in a variety of engineering positions, including track supervisor, division engineer, chief engineer line maintenance, and AVP maintenance of way and structures. He was named vice president engineering in October 2015.

“I extend thanks to Phil for his strong leadership and efforts in developing a diverse and deeply talented team, ensuring a strong foundation for the future,” Wheeler said in a written statement announcing the changes.