PRESIDENT & CEO (2019-Present)
Ian Jefferies advocates for and works with member railroads to ensure the long-term viability of America’s railroad industry. Mr. Jefferies also has more than a decade of experience working in government. From 2009 to 2013, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman. Ian previously led the AAR Government Affairs team for five years.
SVP, SAFETY & OPERATIONS (1980 — Present)
Mike Rush is the industry’s liaison with regulatory bodies, including the DOT, EPA and DHS. Among other responsibilities, Mr. Rush oversees the rail industry’s interchange standards, homeland security plan and environmental protection and safety programs. Previously serving s Associate General Counsel, he represented AAR in various regulatory agency and legislative activities.
SVP, COMMUNICATIONS (2009-Present)
Kristin Smith enhances freight rail’s reputation and cultivates a favorable policy environment in support of industry initiatives. With more than 25 years of communications experience, Mrs. Smith has overseen the creation of numerous award-winning campaigns, including AAR’s 15-year-long “Freight Rail Works” paid advertising campaign and Operation Lifesaver’s “See Tracks? Think Train.” safety PSA campaign.
SVP, LAW & GENERAL COUNSEL (2015-Present)
Kathy Kirmayer began her work with AAR in January 2015, after 25 years in a major law firm. Together with the rest of the AAR Law Department, Ms. Kirmayer advocates industry positions before regulators and courts at all levels, and provides internal counsel to AAR and MxV Rail across the full spectrum of legal issues.
SVP, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS (2018 — Present)
Adrian Arnakis leads the rail industry’s government affairs and advocacy efforts in Washington. Before joining AAR, Mrs. Arnakis served for more than 13 years in the U.S. Senate, where she was a policy leader and trusted advisor on transportation and infrastructure issues.
SVP, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION & CFO (2022-Present)
Paul Hedrick oversees AAR’s day-to-day financial and accounting functions and IT and property management. Mr. Hedrick joined AAR from the Endocrine Society, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. He led the organization’s strategic, capital budget, and information technology planning processes.
SVP, POLICY & ECONOMICS (2024-Present)
Dr. Ghayad, former Head of Economics at LinkedIn, conducted groundbreaking research on labor markets and advised on international economic policy at the IMF. At the Brattle Group, he collaborated on financial investigations and litigation analyses. He is a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center and adjunct faculty at Harvard University.
RAILINC PRESIDENT & CEO (2006 — Present)
With 25 years of experience in IT and business management in the transportation sector, Allen West previously directed IT at Sea-Land Service Inc., a CSX Inc. subsidiary. He has also held leadership positions at Tenneco, Inc. and Norfolk Southern Corp.
MXV RAIL PRESIDENT & CEO (2021-Present)
Kari Gonzales leads a team focused on industry research and testing. Starting as a mechanical engineer, she implemented wayside technology at BNSF to enhance safety and efficiency. With expertise in engineering and operations, Gonzales elevates MxV Rail as a top provider of rail services.
AAR’s Full Membership is available to Class I railroads organized under the laws of the United States; other railroads may be admitted as full members with AAR Board approval. For railroads meeting a certain revenue threshold, full membership might also include a rotating seat on the AAR Board of Directors. Full membership dues are based on revenue.
AAR’s Railroad Affiliate Program is available to non-Class I railroads, commuter railroads and railroads located outside of North America. As a railroad affiliate, you have a voice in the operations and the future of the freight and passenger rail industry. With public interest in rail transportation at an all-time high, both freight and passenger carriers will benefit from this program. AAR’s affiliates are led by the Affiliate Executive Board (AEB). The AEB selects affiliate representatives to serve as voting members of select committees reporting to AAR’s Safety and Operations Management Committee.
AAR’s Associate Program is for every business that depends on the continued strength of America’s freight and passenger railroads. Through the Associate Advisory Board (AAB), all associates enjoy a formal structure for the representation of their views within AAR — one that enables them to contribute their input and expertise to operational decisions. All associates vote for members of the advisory board.
Railroad Jobs: America’s freight railroad companies provide some of the safest and highest-paying jobs in the nation. Below are links to job openings at Amtrak and the Class I railroads.
AAR Jobs: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AAR is a 501(c)(6) trade association representing major freight railroads across North America, including Amtrak. Our comprehensive benefits package features competitive pay, health, dental, and life insurance, along with vacation, sick, and holiday leave. Additional benefits include tuition assistance, a 401(k), employee wellness program, and participation in railroad retirement. Explore Openings.
MxV Rail Jobs: A leading rail research and testing facility, MxV Rail focuses on enhancing safety and efficiency for freight railroads worldwide. Based in Pueblo, Colorado, it operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AAR. Explore Openings.
Railinc: Headquartered in Cary, N.C., Railinc is a top provider of IT, network operations, and financial services to North America’s freight railroads. Renowned for its role in facilitating the movement of valuable freight, Railinc has been recognized as one of Triangle Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” in the Research Triangle area. Explore Openings.