CN's Murray first woman to chair Railway Association of Canada

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) announced yesterday its board has elected Fiona Murray chairperson. Murray, vice president of public and government affairs at CN, is the first woman to chair the 103-year-old organization's board.

Murray joined CN in 1992, initially working in the public affairs department before moving to positions of increasing responsibility. Her experience and thorough understanding of railroading will be a "great asset" to the association, RAC officials said in a press release.

"Over the last 28 years, I have seen railroads evolve to be more diverse workplaces and I'm proud that my nomination is a testament to that evolution," Murray said. "I will focus my energies ensuring that exemplary governance continues at the board level of the RAC to support the organization in its effective communications and advocacy across the country."

The railway industry continues to attract more women to its ranks, and the increasing diversity at the RAC board level and in its various committees reflects this trend, said RAC President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Brazeau. Thirty percent of RAC board members are women; just two years ago, the board's members were all men.

"This represents a major and important milestone in Canada's railway industry," Brazeau said.

Murray is the "right person to help lead the board of the RAC and the organization to the next level of performance and advocacy" for the entire rail industry, said CN President and CEO JJ Ruest.

"I've worked directly with Fiona for over 20 years and her dedication and commitment to anything she gets involved with has been an incredible asset for CN and will be most beneficial to the RAC," Ruest said.