Conrail's Batory to retire; Tierney promoted to president, COO

Conrail yesterday named Timothy Tierney president and chief operating officer effective April 1. He succeeds Ronald Batory, who will retire after nearly 46 years in the railroad industry, the company announced in a press release.

A 39-year veteran of Conrail, Tierney most recently served as vice president and chief engineer, managing all of the company's engineering functions. Tierney assumed responsibility for locomotive assets, mechanical policy and planning in 2002.

Prior to his current role, Tierney worked in positions of increasing responsibility in the engineering department, including as division engineer of the Buffalo, Albany, and Philadelphia divisions. Between 1996 and 1999, he worked assignments at the Philadelphia headquarters, culminating as chief engineer-system during the planning, transition, and implementation of Conrail's acquisition by CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. Conrail began operating as a switching and terminal railroad for NS and CSX in 1999.

After the acquisition, Tierney managed capital expenditures and oversaw the design, development and management of infrastructure projects.

"Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the rail industry and will continue to accelerate Conrail's commitment to providing safe, efficient service," said Batory.

Batory joined Conrail in 1998 as vice president-operations and was appointed COO in 2004.

NS and CSX executives praised Batory's work and wished him well in his retirement.

"Norfolk Southern greatly appreciates Ron's leadership over the past 19 years and his more than four decades as a dedicated railroader," said NS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Squires.

CSX Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cindy Sanborn served on the Conrail board of directors and worked closely with Batory for several years. "All of us at CSX have great respect for Ron's railroad experience and his continuous focus on teamwork," Sanborn said.

Prior to Conrail, Batory served as president of The Belt Railway Co. of Chicago. He spent more than 20 years working for both eastern and western Class I railroads in addition to assisting a court-appointed trustee's successful oversight of a regional railroad bankruptcy.