Former AAR SVP VanderClute joins OnTrackNorthAmerica's board

OnTrackNorthAmerica Inc. has appointed Robert VanderClute to its board. A 44-year veteran railroader, VanderClute most recently was senior vice president of safety and operations for the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

He previously served Amtrak for 27 years, lastly as vice president of operations. VanderClute — who currently heads his own consulting practice, FirstRail International LLC — also led Parsons Brinkerhoff’s global rail program for six years prior to joining the AAR in 2003.

"Bob brings so many varied and knowledgeable perspectives to our board," said OnTrackNorthAmerica Chairman Michael Sussman in a press release. "We created OnTrackNorthAmerica to facilitate the new levels of collaborative thinking now needed to plan and capitalize infrastructure development that best serves industry and the community. Bob will make a major contribution to these activities."

VanderClute earned many awards and garnered many honors during his career, including the W. Graham Claytor Award for Distinguished Service to Passenger Service and the U.S. Army Chief of Staff’s Certificate of Highest Recognition, said Sussman.

"Michael has assembled an impressive group of transportation professionals and I am pleased to have been asked to work with them on developing and refining North American transportation policy issues," said VanderClute.