BNSF earns and distributes accolades, installs new corporate relations VP

BNSF Railway Co. recently was ranked No. 64 on Computerworld's list of the top 100 "Best Places to Work in Information Technology (IT)" for 2013. The Class I also made the list in 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012.

The ranking of the top work environments for IT professionals is based on a company's performance in such categories as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention.

"We are pleased that for a third consecutive year, our employees recognize that BNSF is a great place to achieve a career in IT," said Jo-ann Olsovsky, the Class I's vice president and chief information officer, in an item on the "BNSF News" web page. "In the fast-changing world of technology, our staff embraces business challenges using creativity and ingenuity."

BNSF also was one of 49 corporations and public-sector agencies recently recognized by the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council for their support of minority-owned businesses in north Texas.

During the past decade, BNSF's annual spend with diverse suppliers has grown to more than $400 million.

"Minority- and women-owned businesses are important to companies like BNSF as they provide new approaches and ideas for how we conduct business," said Paul Bischler, vice president and chief sourcing officer.

Meanwhile, BNSF recently honored 109 shippers with its 16th annual Product Stewardship Award for the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail during 2012.

The companies were recognized for transporting a minimum of 500 loaded tank cars of hazardous materials last year with no non-accidental releases during the entire transportation cycle and for successfully implementing the ethics of Product Stewardship under the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care® initiative.

In addition, BNSF announced it promoted Zak Anderson from assistant vice president of community and public affairs to vice president of corporate relations to succeed John Ambler, who is departing the Class I and returning to Houston to accept a new opportunity with Memorial Hermann Health Systems.

Anderson, who will report to Executive VP of Law and Secretary Roger Nober, joined BNSF in 2006 as director of federal government affairs in Washington, D.C. He previously served U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) for nine years as legislative director and chief of staff.