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On Feb. 18, OmniTRAX Inc. announced that Chief Operating Officer Gary Rennick plans to resign March 31.


Instead of finding a successor, OmniTRAX restructured and installed three executive vice presidents, who've already assumed Rennick's duties:


• Jim Griffiths was named EVP mechanical, focusing on expanding the short-line holding company's locomotive maintenance and services for North American Class Is. Griffiths previously served in other capacities for OmniTRAX, as well as Hatch & Kirk Inc. and Morrison Knudsen Corp.;

• Doug Smith was named EVP logistics and intermodal, responsible for Quality Terminal Services L.L.C.'s intermodal terminal operations, Churchill Freight Co., port acquisitions and investments, and logistics and warehousing operations. A 24-year rail veteran, Smith previously served in various positions with i2 Technologies and Canadian National Railway Co., and as a consultant; and

• Janssen Thompson was named EVP of rail operations, responsible for the company's 11 short lines, OmniTRAX Switching Services and Rapid Switching Services, and marketing. A 15-year transportation veteran, Thompson previously served Burlington Northern Santa Fe in various capacities.


Rennick plans to remain with OmniTRAX in the interim, working on special projects related to acquisitions.


"Gary has been responsible for integrating and operating a tremendous amount of growth in our rail system during his time here," said OmniTRAX President Dwight Johnson in a prepared statement. "I believe we found three people that will pick up Gary's responsibilities and aggressively grow OmniTRAX."


Meanwhile, the holding company also named Paul Crawford vice president of safety, training, and loss control. He most recently served Massachusetts Central Railroad as executive vice president and COO, after stints at RailSafe Inc., Memorial Health Care, Providence & Worchester Railroad and Stanley Engineering.