Letter from Amtrak Chairman Boardman to Employees
Dear Co-workers,
When I started my new position here barely two weeks ago, I hit the ground running, in large part because I've come to know Amtrak pretty well over the years.
On my first day on the job, I took some time to meet employees in Washington Union Station. My second day, which happened to be Thanksgiving, I visited the crew base and thanked employees for spending their holiday helping others safely reach their destinations.
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of a number of our unions.
A couple things you should know about me: I'm a former member of IBEW and Teamsters. I am a straight shooter, so you'll know where I stand on things. I listen closely and rely on the strengths of well-qualified people to give me their recommendations.
I strongly believe that collaboration is a necessity in our business, and I don't have much time for those who stand in its way.
For those who may make incorrect assumptions about my past affiliations, let me be very clear: I am here because I believe in Amtrak. Splitting off the Northeast Corridor or separating the NEC infrastructure from operations are absolutely not in my plans. I not only want to preserve our coast-to coast, interconnected system but also want to see it prosper.
With your help, we will become a greener, safer and healthier Amtrak. I plan to build on the many opportunities we have to show how critical passenger rail is to the economy and mobility of America, and I will be sharing with you exactly what that means in the coming weeks and months.
If you're thinking that you've heard all this before and you've seen CEOs come and go, that may be. However, as you get to know me (and you will), you'll see that I am personally committed to the success of this railroad. We have some of the best men and women in the field, and I hope you'll join me on the journey.
JOSEPH BOARDMAN
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