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12/18/2023
Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway today announced the retirement of BRG President and Chief Operating Officer Norma Torres, who joined the railroad in 1989.
In Torres’ 34 years of leadership, BRG carloads rose by more than 3,000%, paced by the addition of numerous Port of Brownsville customers that include Ternium, Vestas, Motus and Bluewing Midstream, according to a press release issued by OmniTRAX Inc., BRG's parent company.
Torres started her career in 1982 at the Port of Brownsville in Texas, then joined the BRG as a customer service agent. Through four decades, she rose through the ranks, achieving promotions to vice president of administration in 1994, executive VP in 1998, and, ultimately, BRG president and COO in 2001.
"Norma is a true original and an industry pioneer. We celebrate her accomplishments and the wonderful legacy she leaves for the BRG and our network," said OmniTRAX President and COO Sergio Sabatini.
Torres became the first female executive within the OmniTRAX network, the first female to lead a domestic short line, and first Latin American woman to lead a railroad. She’s an active member of professional and community organizations that include Southwest Association of Rail Shippers, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, Brownsville Economic Development Council and Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
The Brownsville community is a special place for Torres, and she has spent decades championing local philanthropic efforts.
"Brownsville and the BRG family have been very important to me, and I am grateful for the opportunities to serve the community and help it grow," said Torres.