Supplier/people updates from the TSA, PowerRail, GATX, Michael Baker, HDR, IANA and Wiremind

On Aug. 7, David Cummins was sworn in as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He became the eighth administrator in the history of the TSA, which is responsible for the security of the nation's rail, mass transit, highway, pipeline and maritime systems. Cummins has vast transportation experience in the private sector, directing partnerships with federal, state and local governments in the United States and globally, TSA officials said in a press release. He has overseen strategy and acquisitions for transportation systems in 30 countries. 

PowerRail has forged a strategic partnership with and gained an investment from New Heritage Capital, a Boston-based private equity firm specializing in founder-owned businesses. The investment was structured using Heritage’s Private IPO solution, which preserves operational control for PowerRail’s management team while providing capital for accelerated growth, PowerRail officials said in a press release. Founded in 2003, PowerRail provides aftermarket locomotive parts and components, remanufacturing services and engineering solutions to the global rail industry. PowerRail also announced that its founder and former CEO Paul Foster will continue to serve as chairman, but no longer act in an operating role. 

GATX Corp. has named Eren Doygun senior vice president and chief planning and investment officer. He will lead GATX’s strategic planning and operational finance functions, including financial planning/analysis, valuation, and investment analysis and governance activities. Doygun joined GATX in 2006 and has held a series of finance leadership positions with increasing responsibility, with his most recent post as vice president of financial planning and analysis. 

Michael Baker International has appointed Kevin Collins president-infrastructure. He will oversee the engineering firm’s transportation capabilities, including rail, transit, highways, bridges and aviation, as well as water services. Collins has more than 30 years of industry experience, including a 13-year stint at HNTB, where he most recently served as senior vice president and senior project director. Earlier in his career, Collins spent more than 15 years with HDR. 

Meanwhile, HDR has promoted Rashed Islam to professional services director for transportation. He now will oversee the firm’s integrated approach to infrastructure delivery and be based in Austin, Texas, HDR officials said in a press release. Islam has worked in the transportation industry for more than 30 years and has served HDR for nearly his entire career. He most recently served as transportation director for HDR’s Central Region that includes 18 states.  

The Intermodal Association of North America has named Paul Wasik vice president of government affairs. He will lead the association’s federal advocacy strategy and represent the intermodal freight industry before Congress, the administration and federal agencies. Since 2021, Wasik has served as deputy policy director for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. He previously spent eight years in the office of U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, including four years as legislative assistant for transportation policy.

VIA Rail Canada Inc. has chosen Wiremind as a technology partner for its modernization strategy. Wiremind provides optimization technology solutions to passenger and cargo transportation operators. The collaboration reflects the passenger railroad's commitment to equipping its teams with modern tools and expertise that can support more data-informed decision-making, strengthen commercial processes and contribute to operational efficiency across its network, VIA Rail officials said in a press release. Working with specialized technology partners is an important part of building more agile, resilient and future-ready operations, they said.