Amtrak taps Mitchell to oversee strategic planning

Amtrak yesterday announced Jennifer Mitchell will join the railroad as executive vice president of strategy and planning on Dec. 2. She will succeed Dennis Newman, who is retiring.

Mitchell will be responsible for setting Amtrak's long-term strategic vision and managing the functions of planning, infrastructure access, state partners, network development and host railroads, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Most recently, Mitchell was deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Prior to that post, she was director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, where she played an instrumental role in developing the Transforming Rail in Virginia program, expanding capacity in the fast-growing Interstate 95 corridor.

“Jennifer has tremendous experience in the railroad industry and private sector that will be instrumental as we continue to grow and expand intercity passenger rail during this time of unprecedented demand,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “She’s the right person to lead our planning and strategy as we work to double our ridership by attracting more riders, serving new communities, and transforming passenger rail.”