ASLRRA shuffles staff as senior VP Keeney retires

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association Senior Vice President Kathy Keeney, who helped plan and manage ASLRRA's annual trade show for nearly 40 years, is set to retire at the end of the month.

Keeney officially joined the association’s staff 10 years ago. For much of her tenure, she led ASLRRA’s membership department and was instrumental in the expansion of new member recruiting. She sold and managed the ASLRRA trade show as it grew and expanded into convention centers, setting records for the number of expo hall booths sold, ASLRRA officials announced yesterday in the association's newsletter. 

Five years ago, Keeney helped establish the Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame and served as an organizer of the selection committee. Before joining the association in 2015, Keeney had a 30-year working relationship with the organization, first as a journalist covering short lines and later helping with management and sales for the annual exhibition. She served as publisher of three railroad directories and editor of a monthly national railroad magazine. In addition, she was editor of two short line publications.

“Kathy has been a true joy to have as a colleague and her unique combination of relationships within the industry, support of short line railroads and their suppliers, and expertise in association membership, exhibitions, sponsorships and overall event planning and execution has been invaluable,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker.

As a result of Keeney's retirement, Amy Westerman, Lauren Schlechte and Danialle Lovik are taking on new or expanded roles and responsibilities at the association. Westerman, who is now senior VP of meetings, leads the events team.

Westerman and Schlechte, who is manager of meetings, are handling sponsorship sales for all major ASLRRA meetings. In addition, Schlechte is the point of contact for annual exhibit sales and booth-related questions. Westerman will continue to manage the overall planning and execution of major events.

Now VP of membership, Lovik leads the membership department and is responsible for nearly 1,100 member companies. She’s also replacing Keeney as staff liaison to the association's supplier committee, with support from Westerman.