STB taps Schlenker as economics director, McDermott for senior advisor role

Marty Schlenker has been appointed as the director of the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) office of economics, and Terrence McDermott has been named senior advisor to the chair. 

In his role, Schlenker will oversee critical agency analytical functions, including data gathering and reporting and economic and industry analysis related to board decisions, STB officials said in a press release. He previously served as head of strategy for autonomous rail startup Parallel Systems, operated a supply chain and technology consulting practice and served in a finance role at CSX. He also held senior leadership roles at BNSF Railway and leadership roles at the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences and the American Railway Engineering & Maintenance-of-Way Association.

McDermott brings transportation experience and extensive supply chain knowledge from both shipper and railroad perspectives. He most recently served as the director of supply chain—North American rail with Bunge, and he previously held senior roles at Ferromex. McDermott has served on the STB’s Rail-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council and National Grain Car Council, as well as in leadership positions and committee roles with multiple industry associations, STB officials said.

Immediately prior to assuming their new roles, both Schlenker and McDermott held temporary transition appointments at the STB. 

"Both Marty and Terry strengthen the board’s analysis of the applied effects of its actions, and I am grateful for their continued commitment to serving the public," said STB Chair Patrick Fuchs.