Patriot Rail Company, the owner and operator of more than 30 short-line freight railroads, recently named Brandy D. Christian as the firm’s next chief executive officer, effective June 17.
Christian has more than 25 years of freight transport, infrastructure development, and rail sector experience.
She previously was chief operating officer and later president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. In these roles she oversaw development of the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal project and led the acquisition and merger of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad short line.
She also previously was the Port of San Diego’s vice president of strategy and business development, was a KPMG management consultant, and has served in multiple advisory and board roles
Christian succeeds John Fenton who is retiring.
“Brandy is an exceptional global supply chain and freight rail executive with the vision, perspective and expertise to lead Patriot Rail in its accelerating growth and development,” Deb Butler, Patriot Rail board chairman, said. “We are grateful to John for his exemplary contributions in guiding the company through significant expansion for more than a decade, establishing an unparalleled culture of safety and employees first while delivering top customer service and value.”
Investment team Igneo Infrastructure Partners acquired Patriot Rail in 2019.