LRIW restructures board, elects executive committee

The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) has approved a new board structure that trims the size of the organization's board from 20 people to 15.

The restructuring also adds positions for tasks, including programming and awards, LRIW officials said in a press release.

"The new structure allows our board to be more nimble and facilitates member involvement through committees; a smaller board also creates more opportunities for member engagement," said Sylvia Newell, who was recently elected LRIW's vice president. “We urge our members to take on new tasks and promote women in our industry."

Additionally, LRIW announced election results of a new executive committee during the group's annual membership meeting held earlier this month at the Railway Interchange 2015 in Minneapolis.

Jodi Heldt, sales administration manager at Whiting Corp., was named president of LRIW; Sylvia Newell, executive director of the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers, was appointed vice president; and Amanda Patrick, trade show manager at the Railway Supply Institute, was named secretary.

Meanwhile, LRIW named Carol Steckbeck its 2015 member of the year. She currently serves as a media consultant for CS Communications.