The Association of American Railroads (AAR) announced on 30 January 2015 the retirement of its long-time Senior Vice President of Safety & Operations, as well as the appointment of a new Senior Vice President.
Robert VanderClute, who has been with the AAR for 12 years, is being succeeded by Michael Rush, who has been with the AAR since 1980 and will be moving from his position as associate general counsel effective Feb. 1, 2015.

VanderClute is a life-long railroader, having spent 27 years with Amtrak, rising to the position of vice president of operations and chief operating officer. Before coming to the AAR in 2002, he spent five years as vice president for rail with Parsons Brinckerhoff.
VanderClute received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee and also completed the transportation executive program at Harvard University.

“Bob’s contributions to the AAR, to our members and to the rail industry worldwide are vast,” said AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger. “His depth of railroad knowledge and hands-on experience will be difficult to duplicate. As well, his love for all things railroading is unsurpassed. He is the consummate ’train enthusiast,’ and his face lights up whenever a train goes by.”

Rush, who graduated from the National Law Center at George Washington University with honors, is no stranger to the railroad industry. Since joining the AAR 35 years ago, he has counseled the AAR and its member railroads on environmental, hazardous materials and safety matters, including spearheading the freight rail industry’s push for stronger tank car safety standards.

“Safety has and always will be front and center for the rail industry and we are fortunate to have Mike’s expertise to lead this critical area,” said Hamberger. “Mike’s insights on myriad issues, particularly those with a safety focus are immeasurable.”

(Source: AAR)