LRIW unveils new leadership team

The League of Railway Industry Women (LRIW) has appointed Tanis Peterson president, the association announced yesterday.

Peterson serves as director of operations and regulatory affairs for the Railway Association of Canada. She began her rail career as a conductor for Canadian Pacific.

Over the years, she held a number of posts at CP and rail operator ArcelorMittal. Peterson's previous positions include locomotive engineer, technical trainer and rules instructor, and senior manager overseeing technical training, operating practices and regulatory affairs.

Tanis joined RAC as director in June 2014.

Meanwhile, LRIW named Amanda Trainor Patrick vice president. Patrick is the vice president of trade shows and member relations for the Railway Supply Institute.

In addition, Virginia Rail Solutions LLC Managing Director Susan Robertson was named secretary of LRIW, while Whiting Corp. Rail Customer Account Manager Jodi Heldt became the league's past president.

The following individuals were elected to LRIW's board for three-year terms:
• Kathee Fisk, senior customer support engineer at GE Transportation;
• Kari Gonzales, executive director – business services at Transportation Technology Center Inc.;
• Elizabeth Sands, who will serve as the league's scholarship chair;
• Lisa Tackach, who serves on the business development team at Railroad Construction Co.;
• Luisa Fernandez-Willey, senior economist with the Association of American Railroads (AAR); and
• Sarah Yurasko, assistant general counsel, AAR.

Tackach will be the awards chair, while Fernandez-Willey will serve as LRIW's membership chair.