People news from Indiana Rail, Anacostia and Metrolink

The Indiana Rail Road Co. has hired Jason Blakeman as director of safety and training. Blakeman will lead the strategic development, implementation and oversight of all safety and craft training programs within the organization, according to a company press release. His role includes ensuring compliance with federal, state and local safety regulations, as well as fostering a culture of safety commitment. Blakeman has over 20 years of experience in the railroad industry, including roles at BNSF Railway Co. and Norfolk Southern Railway. Most recently, he was customer operations manager at Trinity Rail.

Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH) announced Herman Crosson, the company's chief safety and compliance officer, has been named Safety Professional of the Year by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Crosson has 26 years of experience in the railroad industry, and joined ARH in 2022. “We know Herman as someone who cares deeply about the safety of our team,” said ARH President and CEO Peter Gilbertson in a press release. “He more than meets the criteria for this top industry safety award. This is a well-deserved recognition, and we are proud to have him on our team.” Crosson will accept the award at the ASLRRA 2025 Annual Convention to be held April 6–8 in Denver.

Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger railroad, has appointed Hilary Konczal as chief safety, security and compliance officer. Konczal will also serve as compliance officer for Federal Railroad Administration-mandated initiatives and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while fostering a proactive safety culture at all levels of the organization, according to a Metrolink press release. Konczal joins Metrolink from Chicago’s Metra where he spent more than three decades in progressively senior roles, ultimately ascending to chief regulatory compliance officer.