ASLRRA's Darr to resign in July

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Linda Bauer Darr will step down next month to become the chief executive officer of another trade association, ASLRRA Chair Judy Petry announced yesterday in a memo to members.

Darr joined ASLRRA in 2014. She leaves the association on July 27 to start her new position in August, according to Petry.

"Linda's new position will offer her a significant opportunity to grow as a leader in a considerably larger organization and industry, but she has mixed emotions about moving on," Petry's memo states.

Darr's accomplishments during her tenure include:
• successfully advocating for the 45G tax credit;
• securing more than $8.5 million for the Short Line Safety Institute in federal appropriations since FY15;
• working to increase ASLRRA political action committee funding;
• helping secure a $2.5 million grant to help short lines comply with the federal positive train control mandate; and
• helping improve the association's publications, annual convention and Railroad Day on the Hill event.

The ASLRRA's Executive Committee will convene this week to begin the search for a new president and CEO, Petry said.