AAR's Hamberger to retire in 2019

Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Hamberger announced today he will retire from the organization early next year.

Having served in the role since 1998, Hamberger is the longest-tenured head of the 84-year-old association, according to an AAR press release.

AAR has retained executive firm Korn Ferry to search for Hamberger's successor.

"It has been a privilege to help one of America's vital industries — freight rail — navigate through a period when the fundamentals of Washington, the economy and our industry have evolved," Hamberger said. "From protecting the economic framework that revitalized America's railroads to clearing the path to developing and deploying new safety technologies, I am extremely proud of the work we have done together over the last two decades, none of which would have been possible without the leadership of our members and the hard work of AAR's dedicated staff."

Hamberger has been called to testify before Congress more than 85 times. On behalf of AAR, he has advocated for a balanced regulatory environment that enables continued record private investment in rail infrastructure, AAR officials said.

"Ed Hamberger has been a forceful advocate for freight railroads and will leave behind a powerful legacy in Washington and in the industry," said AAR Chairman and Norfolk Southern Railway Chairman, President and CEO James Squires.  "Ed helped expand and strengthen our industry's voice on transportation, infrastructure and technology in Washington, and I look forward to the AAR continuing to be a powerful voice."

Hamberger began his career in transportation as general counsel of the National Transportation Policy Study Commission. He subsequently served as assistant secretary for governmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation and managing partner at Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell in Washington, D.C.

He also served as an appointed member of the Private Sector Advisory Panel on Infrastructure Financing and as a member of the Presidential Commission on Intermodal Transportation. Most recently, he served on the Blue Ribbon Panel of Transportation Experts, after being appointed by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.