O'Leary to succeed Aadnesen as Alaska Railroad's chief executive

Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) on Friday announced it promoted Bill O'Leary from chief operating officer to president and chief executive officer to succeed Christopher Aadnesen, who is retiring Oct. 31 after serving in the top post since September 2010.

O'Leary, who assumes the new position on Nov. 1, was promoted to COO in March, when his duties were expanded to oversee rail transportation, engineering, mechanical, safety, labor relations, marketing, customer service and grant administration functions. Since joining ARRC in 2001 as vice president and chief financial officer, he also served as interim CEO from April 1 to Sept. 22, 2010, to provide former leader Patrick Gamble time to prepare for his new job as University of Alaska system president.

Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, O'Leary earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

"It is particularly gratifying to see a lifelong Alaskan at the reins of the Alaska Railroad," said ARRC Chairwoman Linda Leary in a press release. "Bill's experience with the railroad business environment and railroading operations make him a solid asset."

For more information on Aadnesen's retirement, his accomplishments at ARRC and vast experiences throughout a more than 40-year railroading career, follow this link to read a web exclusive article.