People news from Pacific Harbor Line and Amtrak

Pacific Harbor Line President Otis Cliatt II was honored with the Black History Month Trailblazer of the Century Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to a more sustainable San Pedro Bay region in California. The award was presented Feb. 21 by U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.) during her annual Black History Month commemoration. Under Cliatt’s leadership, PHL piloted the first zero-emission locomotive in the San Pedro Bay port complex and is part of PHL’s efforts to lower emissions, according to a press release issued by Anacostia Rail Holdings, PHL's parent. “Otis’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence and environmental responsibility,” said Anacostia Rail CEO Peter Gilbertson. “He is a key member of a team at PHL that has not only transformed rail operations within the port complex but has also delivered meaningful environmental benefits to Long Beach and Los Angeles." PHL provides rail service at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Amtrak Director of Catenary Engineering Faye Majekodunmi has been named the 2026 Delaware Valley Young Engineer of the Year. She was inducted during Delaware Valley Engineers Week for her leadership, technical excellence and meaningful contributions to the engineering profession within the Philadelphia region, according to a press release issued by the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia. With more than a decade of experience in rail electrification and structural engineering, Majekodunmi has supported and led complex transportation projects focused on reliability, safety and service continuity, club officials said. Most recently, she led efforts to address operational challenges on Dock Bridge in New Jersey, developing in-house engineering solutions that improved reliability for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit.