AAR recognizes CSX's Zacker for environmental excellence

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has awarded the 2019 North American Environmental Employee Excellence Award to Brian Zacker, an environmental field services senior manager at CSX.

AAR's award recognizes leading contributions to environmental responsibility and excellence in the industry. The award is considered the highest honor for rail industry environmental professionals, CSX officials said in a press release.

During his tenure at CSX, Zacker improved environmental performance while delivering cost savings through enhanced environmental stewardship, they said.

Some of his accomplishments include establishing a spent materials collection and recycling program; developing initiatives to keep 1,900 tons of coal from landfill disposal; improving hazardous waste and used oil management processes; and standardizing risk-reduction processes to support hurricane preparation and recovery.

"Brian applied decades of environmental experience to his approach to innovation, relationship building and continuous process improvement," said Raghu Chatrathi, CSX's senior director of public safety, health and environment. "He is a true change agent who has improved longstanding processes and achieved lasting outcomes."

Zacker serves as a member of the environmental crimes union board for a three-county area in Florida, where he lends his expertise in environmental law violations. He also participates in local beach cleanups and other conservation efforts, AAR officials said in a press release.