Jeffries to head AAR's government affairs department

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has appointed Ian Jefferies senior vice president of its government affairs department, effective Dec. 11. He succeeds Laurie Knight, who returned to the National Beer Wholesalers Association to head the organization's government affairs.

Jefferies most recently was a senior transportation policy adviser to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John "Jay" Rockefeller (D-W.Va.). Jeffries spent the past four years with the committee. Prior to that, he held positions with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Government Accountability Office.

"Ian brings … an invaluable understanding of transportation issues, and we look forward to him utilizing his legislative talents and insights while representing the rail industry," said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger in a press release. "In a time when transportation infrastructure, rail safety and truck size and weight issues promise to dominate the legislative landscape, we are pleased to have someone of Ian's stature and know-how on board."