People news from SC Ports, NYSW Railway and Alaska Railroad

South Carolina Ports Authority President and CEO Barbara Melvin has resigned, with plans to pursue other opportunities, port officials said yesterday in a press release. Melvin joined SC Ports in 1998, has held a variety of roles and led multiple major infrastructure initiatives, including the Charleston Harbor deepening project. Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration Phillip Padgett has been named interim CEO. "For personal and professional reasons, I want to pursue other opportunities," Melvin said. "I take pride in what has been accomplished by the [ort while I have served it in multiple roles. Knowing the resiliency of the ports authority and its people, I have no doubt even more success is in its future."

The New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corp. (NYS&W) has appointed Katherine Bourdon as general counsel. She has more than 20 years of experience in the railroad and transportation industry, including 15 years as an attorney. Bourdon will lead NYS&W regulatory compliance, litigation and contract management. She joins the company from the Federal Railroad Administration, where she provided legal counsel on rail infrastructure program and grant initiatives.

The Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) yesterday honored conductor Warren Redfearn with a coach dedication and retirement celebration. Redfearn has worked for ARRC for nearly 50 years, and following the coach dedication, he will enjoy a farewell ride as honorary conductor aboard the Hurricane Turn Flagship Train. Redfearn held multiple roles within the railroad, but enjoyed conducting passenger trains best, ARRC officials said in a press release. He is responsible for the addition of a Vista Dome passenger coach, which will be dedicated in his honor, railroad officials said.