Rail supplier news from Freightcar America, U.S. Bank, Omega Industries and NRC (July 12)

FreightCar America Inc. has appointed Howard Broadfoot vice president, manufacturing – Shoals. Before joining the company, he served as VP of operations at Electro-Mechanical Corp., with multi-plant, multi-product line responsibility in the electrical transmission, distribution and control business for seven years. He also held senior operations leadership roles with Thomas and Betts, Newell-Rubbermaid and the ZF Group America. Broadfoot's experience will be "instrumental" in continuing the growth of FreightCar America's Shoals, Ala., facility into a world class rail-car manufacturing operation, company officials said in a press release.

U.S. Bank has hired Mike Keasling as equipment leasing specialist. Based in Chicago, he joins the bank in a national role focused on deepening existing and developing new client relationships in the rail industry, company officials said in a press release. Keasling has more than 30 years of experience in the rail-car brokerage and leasing industry. He spent much of his career at The CIT Group, including a stint as senior vice president of rail leasing. He also worked at Vertex Railcar Corp. and American Railcar Leasing LLC, in addition to running his own consultancy.

Omega Industries Inc. has added Jerry McCombs as Southeast U.S. regional sales manager. He has more than 24 years of concrete crossing sales experience and has served as associate member representative on the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association's board. He's also a current member of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association and the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association.

The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has announced the availability of college scholarships for children or grandchildren of employees at its member companies. The association will award a total of three scholarships as follows: The first place applicant will receive $8,000, the second place applicant $4,000 and the third place applicant $2,000. To be eligible, an applicant must be enrolled at the time of application as a full-time college student at an accredited two- or four-year college. Recently graduated high school students slated to start college in fall also are eligible. Applications are due Aug. 31. For complete eligibility requirements, visit NRC's website.