Canton Development taps Barnes as president, CEO

The Canton Development Co. recently announced it has hired Paul Barnes as its next president and CEO.

Barnes will direct Canton Development, the holding company, and its subsidiaries Canton Railroad Co., established in 1906, and Freestate Logistic Services Inc., created in 2006.

Barnes has 30 years of logistics experience, including 27 years in the railroad industry with CSX, Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. He will be relocating to Maryland, where Canton provides rail switching and logistics services in Baltimore and Cecil counties.

Barnes, who began his new role on May 1, succeeds John Magness, who will retire June 30 after 27 years at the company and 43 years in the railroad industry.

"We are fortunate to have someone following my tenure that has the background and experience of Paul," said Magness in a press release. "The company is well positioned to move forward with his leadership."