Federal Railroad Administration welcomes new Chief Counsel

FRA welcomes new Chief Counsel, Gerald Reynolds.

FRA

Gerald A. Reynolds is Chief Counsel for the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).  In this capacity, he serves as the principal legal advisor to the FRA Administrator, and is responsible for overseeing all FRA legal matters.  This includes providing legal advice and counsel on freight and passenger rail matters ranging from FRA’s safety regulatory oversight to grant and loan financial assistance programs, as well as managing the agency’s Legal Department comprised of nearly 50 attorneys and staff.  

Mr. Reynolds has extensive and distinguished Federal and private-sector legal experience involving complex litigation, government regulations, corporate governance, public policy, and civil rights.  Prior to joining FRA, he served as a top legal expert for three major utility companies, including five years as General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary for a large Kentucky utility. 

In 2004, Jerry was appointed to serve as Chairman of the United States Civil Rights Commission, a position he held until 2010. He also held other notable Federal appointments including serving as Deputy Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, and Assistant Secretary for the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education.

Mr. Reynolds received his law degree from Boston University School of Law, and a B.A. in history from City University of New York–York College.