Cheatum joins KCS as SVP; UP's Kelley earns diversity honor

Kansas City Southern has appointed Lora Cheatum senior vice president of human resources for the Kansas City Southern Railway Co.

She will lead the U.S. team and collaborate with leaders of Kansas City Southern de México S.A. de C.V. Cheatum reports to KCS President and Chief Executive Officer David Starling.

She has 27 years of human resources and business leadership experience, and most recently was SVP of global human resources for Layne, where she led human resources for the global water management, construction and mining company. Cheatum previously spent nine years with Kansas City Power & Light, most recently as vice president of procurement, and held various human resources and operations management roles with Walmart Stores Inc. and Tricon Global Restaurants Inc.

"The breadth of Lora’s international business experience will be an excellent complement to our leadership team," said Starling in a press release.

Meanwhile, Union Pacific Railroad Vice President of Supply and Continuous Improvement Lynn Kelley recently was recognized in Profiles in Diversity Journal's 13th annual "Women Worth Watching" program.

The annual program recognizes leading women executives who encourage aspiring business leaders and help women advance into leadership ranks. "Women Worth Watching" are nominated by colleagues, peers and mentors for their initiative and achievements.

Kelley joined UP in 2011 as VP of continuous improvement and assumed additional responsibility for the railroad's supply department in January 2014. She also leads BRIDGES, UP's employee network that aims to attract, retain and develop the careers of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

"I am honored to be recognized among so many exceptional, accomplished women who share a commitment to do what is right for our respective companies," said Kelley in a press release. "Throughout my career I have worked in a variety of industries in many countries, and realized that the most important part of any job is the corporate culture and opportunity for personal growth."