Las Vegas Railway Express names Schillinger president

Las Vegas Railway Express Inc. has appointed Lou Schillinger president.

He is the founder, president and chief executive officer of United Shortline Insurance Services Inc. (USIS), which has provided insurance products for railroads for 26 years.

Las Vegas Railway Express last week announced it had acquired a 49 percent interest in USIS.

"Lou Schillinger is a true expert in the field of railroad insurance," said Las Vegas Railway Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Barron in a press release. "His accomplishments over his 40-year career are extensive and well documented. Lou adds great depth to our business."

Las Vegas Railway Express, which owns the X-Train brand and brand licensor, is acquiring short-line railroads. It previously operated the Santa Fe Southern Railway and plans to launch a Los Angeles-to-Las Vegas X-Train service.

Earlier this year, Las Vegas Railway Express acquired United Rail, which owns the Rail Management Services short-line management system.

Meanwhile, X Rail Entertainment Inc. appointed John McPherson to its board. From 1999 until his retirement in 2007, he served as president and chief operating officer of Florida East Coast Railway (FEC).

Before that, McPherson served as FEC's senior vice president of operations. He also was president and chief executive officer of the Illinois Central Railroad.