Former FRA officer Strang to join ASLRRA as VP of regulatory affairs

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has named Jo Strang vice president for regulatory affairs, effective July 1.

She most recently served the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Prior to that, Strang had a long career at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). In her last position, as associate administrator for railroad safety and chief safety officer, she provided regulatory oversight for rail safety, including the development and enforcement of safety regulations and programs related to the rail industry.

In 2009, Strang received the Presidential Rank Award for her exceptional leadership of the FRA's Office of Railroad Safety. Her other FRA posts included deputy associate administrator for railroad policy and development, acting deputy administrator and deputy regional administrator in Chicago.

From 2000 to 2002, Strang served as the associate director for the National Transportation Safety Board, where she oversaw all railroad and transit accident investigations in the United States.

"[Strang's] knowledge and insight will be a great asset to the association in its ongoing work to address the many regulatory issues facing the short line and regional railroad industry," said ASLRRA President Richard Timmons in an item included in the association's latest "Views & News" newsletter.