Reading & Northern expands coal marketing department, names Cerulli VP

As part of a plan to expand its coal marketing department, the Reading & Northern Railroad announced yesterday it named Jim Cerulli vice president of coal marketing.

Effective Jan. 1, Cerulli will take the lead on dealing with coal shippers along Reading & Northern’s rail system. He'll also manage the coal service network, shippers' car supply, shipper relations and development of additional on-line coal facilities, Reading & Northern officials said in a press release.

Cerulli joined the Reading & Northern in 2015 as operations administrator in the transportation department. He was promoted to director of operations and, most recently, assistant VP of operations planning.

In his new position, Cerulli will work with Bill Clark, senior VP of coal marketing; Mike Sharadin, AVP of equipment; and the customer service staff who handle all Reading & Northern business under Susan Ludwig, VP of customer service.

Clark will focus on business growth with an emphasis on domestic steel mills, as well as take the lead on relations with other railroads, primarily Norfolk Southern Railway.

“Since Bill Clark joined our team we have been able to make great inroads into the domestic steel industry," said Reading & Northern President Wayne Michel. "Today we are positioned for substantial growth. In order to accomplish that growth we needed more resources."

While Clark focuses on working with the steel mills and other users of Pennsylvania anthracite, Cerulli will focus on "making sure we do everything needed to help the anthracite producers get their coal to market," Michel added.

Sharadin will be responsible for all rail-car issues, including ensuring the coal car fleet is in good operating condition and available for customers.

Clark, Cerulli and Sharadin will report to Michel.

Based in Port Clinton, the Reading & Northern serves 70 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties.