The Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC), a national association of commuter rail agencies, operators, and other interested parties, announced the election of new board members at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Among the group of new board members is Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera US. Recognized for his active contributions to the CRC since 2021, Gabriel has been unanimously voted in as the Affiliate Member Representative on the 2023 CRC Board.
The new board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the CRC, and they are committed to advancing the interests of commuter rail in the United States. The full slate of newly elected board members include:
- Chair: Mike Noland, President and General Manager of NICTD/South Shore Line
- Vice Chair: Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director of Caltrain
- Board Secretary: Leslie Richards, General Manager of SEPTA
- Treasurer: Joe Yesbeck, SVP National Director of Rail & Transit at TYLin
- Affiliate Member Representative: Gabriel Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera US
- Director at Large: Darren Kettle, CEO of SCRRA/Metrolink
- Director at Large: Dave Dech, Executive Director of SFRTA/Tri-Rail
- Director at Large: Otis Tolbert, Rail and Transit Practice Lead at AON
- Director at Large: Kathryn Holmes, Managing Member, Holmes & Associates
Expressing his dedication to the advancement of transit services, Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal stated, “As a lifelong proponent of transit services, I am committed to working with the Coalition to make commuter rail more reliable, affordable, and accessible. Together, we will advocate for increased funding, streamlined processes, and technological advancements that will revolutionize the way we travel.“
KellyAnne Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of the CRC, expressed her excitement about the remarkable diversity of expertise that this exceptional group brings to the governance of the CRC. She eagerly anticipates the remarkable progress that they will achieve together.
The newly elected CRC Board members embody the broader interests of the membership and serve as influential voices to convey the myriad community, environmental, and economic benefits of passenger rail.
The CRC’s 2023 Nominations Committee, comprised of Sally Librera (AECOM), Mike Allegra (Stadler), Jon McDonald (Hatch), and Brian Dagsland (Stacy & Witbeck), diligently oversaw the selection process.
About the Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC)
The CRC, a distinguished 501(c)6 non-profit organization, is devoted to promoting the benefits of commuter rail, enlightening policymakers and the public about its significance, and securing the necessary resources to support its operations. For more information about the CRC, please visit www.commuterrailcoalition.org.
