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. He is a past recipient of Railway Age’s W. Graham Claytor Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Passenger Transportation.
Rush graduated from the National Law Center at George Washington University with honors. 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.
“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. 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. Mike’s insights on myriad issues, particularly those with a safety focus, are immeasurable.”