Amtrak earns recognition for business strategy

Amtrak's "business transformation" plan recently received two industry awards for leadership and workforce management initiatives, the railroad announced this week.

The awards recognize Amtrak's efforts to reduce costs, restructure performance management and differentiated pay, strengthen career growth and development opportunities, and implement best-in-class recruitment and retention strategies, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

The national intercity passenger railroad received the 2014 Global HR Top 10 Breakaway Leaders Award. Sponsored by Evanta, the award recognizes human resource leaders who are overhauling their company's competitive position in an evolving economy.

In addition, Amtrak received Workforce magazine's 2014 Optimas Award, which recognizes human resources and workforce management initiatives that achieve business results.

Amtrak's business transformation is being driven by the railroad's board and President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boardman and his executive management team, "who are committed to fulfilling [our] mission of moving America where it wants to go while ensuring our customers get a consistent, high-quality travel experience," said Barry Melnkovic, Amtrak's chief human capital officer.