Robert C. VanderClute Named Chair of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Board of Directors
WASHINGTON, DC, March 16, 2017 – Bonnie Murphy, president and CEO of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), announced that the national nonprofit organization’s board of directors has elected Robert C. VanderClute as chair, following the recent resignation of previous OLI board chair William “Bill” Barringer, railroad consultant and former director of grade crossing safety at Norfolk Southern Corporation.
“We are thrilled to have Bob VanderClute leading Operation Lifesaver, Inc.’s board of directors,” Murphy said. “He is a respected expert with a deep understanding of rail safety issues and the importance of OLI’s role in urging drivers and pedestrians to stay safe near railroad tracks and crossings,” she stated.
“We appreciate Bill Barringer’s leadership as chair since 2013, and wish him well as he steps away from his OLI duties to concentrate on his other activities and family,” Murphy continued.
VanderClute, president and COO of the consulting firm FirstRail International, was previously senior vice president of safety and operations with the Association of American Railroads, and before that served as vice president for rail with Parsons Brinckerhoff. A life-long railroader, VanderClute earlier in his career spent 27 years with Amtrak, rising to the position of vice president of operations and chief operating officer.
“I have always been a strong supporter of Operation Lifesaver’s tireless work to educate the general public and key audiences about rail safety,” states VanderClute. “I am honored to work with the OLI staff, board, state programs and others on this critical mission to reduce incidents, deaths and injuries at railroad crossings and along rights-of-way.”
Murphy noted that OLI Board Vice Chair Jo Strang, vice president for safety and regulatory policy at the American Short Line and Regional Railroads Association, and Secretary Treasurer Steven Neubauer, director, field safety support for BNSF Railway Company, continue their terms in those roles.
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About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides the general public with tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. OLI will lead a national observance of U.S. Rail Safety Week, September 24-30, 2017. Learn more about U.S. Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
