Alaska Railroad's Hopp to succeed Engebretson as COO

The Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) has named Clark Hopp chief operating officer effective Jan. 1.

Hopp is currently ARRC's vice president of engineering. As COO, he will succeed Doug Engebretson, who is retiring. The COO oversees ARRC's rail transportation, engineering, mechanical, safety and grant administration functions.

"Involved with railroading for more than two decades, Clark has exceptional insight into railroad infrastructure and operations," said President Bill O'Leary in a press release. "During the 17 years he has worked at the Alaska Railroad, Clark has proven to be a high caliber leader. These qualities are essential to being an effective COO."

Hopp has led ARRC's engineering department since February 2013. He joined the railroad in 2001 as a capital projects manager, and in 2003, he became manager, civil projects. In 2011, Hopp was promoted to director of special projects, overseeing the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and Northern Rail Extension (Phase I) projects.

Before joining ARRC, Hopp worked for TranSystems Corp., a nationwide engineering consulting firm based in Nebraska. From 1995 to 2001, Hopp provided project management services to BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.

A third-generation railroader, Engebretson joined the Alaska Railroad in 1984 as a carman. He spent 30 years in the mechanical field, eventually becoming chief mechanical officer in 2008. In late 2013, Engebretson was named COO.

"Having risen from the ranks, Doug has been a well-rounded leader," said O'Leary. "We have benefitted greatly from his extensive experience with regulatory compliance, safety and personnel management."