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Long-time United Transportation Union officer and current General Chairperson John "Terry" Reed plans to retire July 1. The union named John Lesniewski as his successor.

Serving as general chairperson for the past 12 years, Reed has held various elected positions since 1971. In 1985, he was elected UTU general committee secretary; four months later, Reed, 62, began serving as vice general chairperson.

"Terry is one of the most effective and dedicated chairpersons in the history of UTU and its predecessor organizations," said UTU International President Paul Thompson in a prepared statement. "His top four priorities always have been to represent members, uphold the integrity of the UTU, ensure a financially sound general committee, and determine and weigh all the facts — pro and con — before making decisions."

In 1966, Reed began his railroading career with CSX Transportation predecessor Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, where he served in yard switching service for many years.

"Among Terry's major accomplishments was to negotiate a crew consist agreement giving the UTU the exclusive right to represent trainmen," said Thompson.