Federal Railroad Administrator, Boardman Delivered Presentation at US&S Leadership Meeting
16 January 2006 12:16
Pittsburgh, PA - 16 January 2006 - Joseph H. Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator gave a special dinner presentation at the Union Switch & Signal (US&S) leadership meeting. The event was held on January 11, 2006 at the Marriott Pittsburgh City Center. Mr. Boardman is responsible for managing and enforcing current Federal Railroad Administration safety regulations, developing and implementing national passenger and rail policy, and overseeing research and development activities to improve railroad safety.
Mr. Boardman began his visit with a tour of the US&S headquarters, a demonstration of current products and a presentation of technology under development. The administrator then gave his keynote speech to an attentive crowd of US&S employees. The speech centered on key issues he would like to address during his term: overall safety in the industry, Amtrak, and making sure the FRA has “the right people with the right skills.”
The underlying theme of Mr. Boardman’s talk was the importance of communication in leadership roles. Several of his comments were linked back to things he had observed on his tour of US&S. He saw US&S’ common operating picture technology as one possible solution for communication problems that had arisen during the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Instead of relying on telephone conversations that often get misinterpreted, the technology US&S is developing would allow key officials to see the same data and come to mutual understandings. The Administrator elaborated saying: “Technology useful for emergencies must also be technology used on a day to day basis - so that when emergencies arise, users are comfortable and capable.”
“Mr. Boardman’s speech complimented and reinforced the importance of technological excellence and advancement, in which US&S has maintained a leading position within the rail industry for 125 years,” said Jeremy Hill, Vice President Advanced Technology.
Mr. Boardman concluded his speech with a general suggestion to the group, stating: “The two most important things you need to know are the next two things you need to do,” - great advice for any endeavor.
ABOUT UNION SWITCH & SIGNAL INC.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Union Switch & Signal Inc. (US&S) is a leader in the design, manufacture and service of signaling, automation and control equipment and systems for the railroad and mass transit industries worldwide. US&S is a subsidiary of Ansaldo Signal N.V., a Finmeccanica company. Founded in 1881, the company marks its 125th year of continuous operation this year.
For more information on this company:
Union Switch & Signal - Complete Rail Signalling and Control Solutions
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