The Railway Supply Institute Committee on Tank Cars (RSICTC) has named veteran railcar design and regulatory compliance and safety professional John Byrne as Vice Chairman. Byrne succeeds William Finn, who retired earlier in 2016.
Byrne has spent his entire career in the rail industry, having started in Chicago with North American Car Company, the former railcar leasing firm. He recently retired from GE Capital after nearly 38 years, most recently as Manager, Regulatory Compliance and Quality. In previous positions with GE, he managed repair facilities, quality management systems, audit programs and fleet product safety.
Byrne guided GE Capital’s regulatory compliance program for many years, and has represented GE Capital on the Association of American Railroads Tank Car Committee and its various task forces. His experience includes participation in the RSICTC process, serving on Transport Canada's Tank Car Standards Committee and participating on committees of the Chlorine Institute.
“John has a deep understanding of the complexities of tank car design as well as the history of hazardous materials regulation, and is known and respected by those in government and industry as an expert at facilitating consensus from divergent technical opinions,” said Railway Supply Institute President Tom Simpson. “He is a superb choice to lead the important work of the RSICTC.”
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to apply my skills in developing solutions to rail industry challenges concerning railcar design,” Byrne said. “I look forward to working to continue RSICTC’s efforts in improving tank car and hazardous materials safety.”