Patriot Rail: Tisa to become CCO; Turnauckas to lead new excursion division

Patriot Rail Co. has hired Thomas Tisa as chief commercial officer, effective Nov. 1. He will succeed Robert Turnauckas, who will assume a new position as president of scenic rail excursions, according to a Patriot Rail press release.

Tisa has more than 30 years of rail industry experience, having held key positions in sales and marketing at CN and CSX. Most recently, he led CSX's short line development team and strategic initiatives. His extensive background in industrial development and boosting supply chain networks, with relationships from coast to coast, will be invaluable in driving Patriot Rail’s commercial success, Patriot Rail officials said.

Meanwhile, Turnauckas brings a unique background to his new role, having served as chief marketing and communication officer at Metrolink in Southern California, along with 25 years of leadership in the tourism and hospitality industry, they said.

"[Turnauckas'] unparalleled background in hospitality, customer service and passenger rail is the perfect fit for driving the company's excursion business forward," said Patriot Rail CEO Brandy Christian.

Patriot Rail’s scenic rail tourist business is growing. In addition to its excursion service to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Patriot last year acquired a scenic railway franchise in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and plans to reestablish tourist train service operating out of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As a result, Patriot Rail established a new excursion division, which required someone experienced to lead it, company officials said.