Gonzales appointed TTCI president, CEO

Kari Gonzales has been named president and chief executive officer of Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Gonzales, a nearly 20-year TTCI veteran, steps into her new role as the organization undergoes a transformation in its services and facilities, which will enhance and maintain its place as the rail industry’s research partner of choice, AAR officials said in a press release.

"Having served across all segments of the organization, Kari knows firsthand the unparalleled capabilities of its researchers and has the vision to help chart its course for the future," said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies in a press release.

Gonzales was named TTCI’s acting president in June, following the retirement of Lisa Stabler.

"I have been privileged to work with some of the most enthusiastic, brilliant problem solvers who are uniformly committed to advancing rail technology in the U.S. and globally,” Gonzales said. “I am honored to lead this dynamic organization into the future. Together, we will combine time-honored expertise with new vision to create tomorrow’s transportation solutions."

Previously, Gonzales was the center’s vice president and chief financial officer. She joined TTCI in 2000 as an engineer, and has authored or coauthored more than 25 technical publications as a part of her work.

In 2012, Gonzales became the inaugural candidate for TTCI’s Railroad Exchange Program where she spent a year with BNSF Railway in Fort Worth, TX on the railroad’s Condition Based Maintenance team before returning to Pueblo.

In 2014, Progressive Railroading named Gonzales one of the railroad industry's "Rising Stars."