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12/15/2025
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has hired Chris Machenberg to serve as hazardous materials program director.
Machenberg will oversee the delivery of SLSI's online and in-person training programs for railroad safety professionals and first responders, SLSI officials said in a press release. He will succeed John Walsh, who will retire in January 2026.
Most recently, Machenberg served as the Federal Railroad Administration's deputy staff director, hazardous materials-field operations. In his nearly 30-year railroad career, Machenberg has held conductor, locomotive engineer and yardmaster positions, and management roles of increasing responsibility in hazmat shipments and safety. Machenberg also previously served as a representative and as chairman on the Association of American Railroads'Tank Car Committee, SLSI officials said.
"[Machenberg's] experience from a boots-on-the-ground craft employee to the highest levels of hazmat program management in the rail industry, coupled with his experience at FRA, will benefit any railroad that takes advantage of our hazardous materials training programs," said SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta.
To date, the SLSI has provided training to 5,603 individuals from 1,053 organizations over 202 training events. Under Walsh's leadership, the hazmat program expanded from a single training course to several offerings including first responder training, emergency response planning, online refresher courses and more.
"John’s impact on our program offerings has been transformational and has benefited railroads and first responders across the country," Murta said.