People news from R. J. Corman, SEPTA and Kaplan Kirsch

R. J. Corman Railroad Group LLC President and CEO Ed Quinn today announced his resignation from the company to pursue other interests. He will remain onboard during a transitional period as the company searches for his successor, R.J. Corman officials said in a press release. Under Quinn's leadership, the company acquired eight short lines, increased carload volume and added railroad services locations for Class I partner. Quinn rejoined R. J. Corman as president and CEO in 2016, having previously left the company for a period to lead sales and marketing for an industrial fan company. Prior to that, he led R. J. Corman's emergency response company. “It has been an incredible honor to lead this organization and work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident in the company’s continued success. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and cheering on the next
chapter from a new vantage point," Quinn said. 

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) board has named Scott Sauer as general manager. Sauer has served as SEPTA's interim GM since November 2024. He will continue to oversee the authority's 9,300 employees and all operations. Sauer started his career at SEPTA in 1990 as a surface train operator. Since then, he's held leadership positions including assistant GM of system safety and of operations. In 2022, Sauer was named chief operating officer. Sauer takes on the GMA role at a pivotal time, SEPTA officials said. On June 26, the board vote on a proposed budget with major service cuts, fare increases and workforce reductions in order to fill a $213 million budget deficit. 

Kaplan Kirsch has welcomed returning partners John Putnam and Allison Ishihara Fultz, and newcomer Samuel Kohn to the law firm. All three held senior roles in President Joe Biden's administration, Kaplan Kirsch officials said in a press release. Their focus at Kaplan Kirsch will be on infrastructure, transportation, environmental and Native American law. Putnam, who served as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation, is also a founding partner of Kaplan Kirsch and previously served as managing partner. Fultz returns to Kaplan Kirsch after more than three years as chief counsel at the Federal Railroad Administration. Kohn joins the firm as a partner with nearly 15 years of experience representing Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives and tribal consortia on governance, land use, infrastructure and federal engagement. A member of the Apsaalooke Nation, Kohn previously served as senior counsel to the assistant secretary of Indian at the U.S. Department of the Interior.