advertisement

---

Today, The Greenbrier Cos. announced Donald Washburn has been elected to the company's board, which now numbers eight members and four independent directors.

A private investor, Washburn currently serves on the boards of Amedisys Inc., LaSalle Hotel Properties and Key Technology Inc., as well as non-profit organization Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He also serves on private equity fund Spell Capital Partners Fund II's advisory board.

Washburn previously held several senior-level management positions with Northwest Airlines Inc. — including executive vice president — and Marriott International Corp.

"[Washburn] brings significant management, operational and board experience, which will be invaluable to the company," said Greenbrier President and Chief Executive Officer William Furman in a prepared statement.

During the past few months, Greenbrier has considered several independent board member candidates to "enhance corporate governance and meet Securities & Exchange Commission requirements," said Furman. "We fully expect to meet the SEC requirement, prior to the Dec. 31, 2005 deadline, that a majority of board members be independent."