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The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) on Friday presented its 2007 “Outstanding Woman of the Year Award” to Donna Acors, general manager of customer service for CSX Transportation. Sponsored by Progressive Railroading, the award recognizes an individual’s dedication, commitment and contribution to the railroad industry.

Acors, who began her railroad career in 1970 as a clerk with CSXT predecessor C&O Railroad, received the award during the LRIW’s 10th annual luncheon, held Sept. 14 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers.

During the past 37 years, Acors has served as a trainmaster, manager of CSXT's Automotive Business Unit, director of customer service and superintendent of customer operations. In 2000, CSXT selected her as one of the railroad's "best and brightest" to enter full-time Six Sigma training. As superintendent of customer transaction analysis — a position tailored to Acors' skills — she led a “radical turnaround in quality at CSX's Customer Service Department, surpassing budget goals and improving processes significantly,” said CSXT Vice President of Customer Operations Shelley Cooper in her nomination letter to the LRIW award committee.

“As her supervisor, I can attest to her tireless commitment to CSX, its customers and members of her team,” Cooper wrote. “There has never been a task or challenge she couldn't master.”

During the luncheon, the LRIW also presented its “Member of the Year” award to Connie Sumara, vice president of operations for Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co.

For more information on the LRIW, visit the association’s Web site, www.lriw.org.