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ARDA Leadership

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Immediate Past President. The Board is responsible for overseeing the overall governance of the Association and ensuring the organization's activities are aligned with its mission and objectives. They are also tasked with setting the annual membership dues and approving new active and honorary members. In addition, the Board of Directors serves as the Nominating Committee, selecting a slate of nominees for the election of officers to be held prior to the next annual meeting.

Alex Saar
Alex Saar LinkedIn

PRESIDENT

Director of Corridor Services -
CSX Transportation, INC.

Rachael Crandley
Rachael Crandley LinkedIn

VICE PRESIDENT

Senior Project Manager -
HDR Inc.

James Landavazo
James Landavazo LinkedIn

TREASURER

Director of Sales & Marketing -
Genesee & Wyoming

Joe Torp
Joe Torp LinkedIn

SECRETARY

Senior Industrial Development Manager -
Norfolk Southern Corporation

Cameron Rex
Cameron Rex LinkedIn

PAST PRESIDENT

Owner - Valuation/GIS -
RMI Valuation, LLC

Board of Directors Group Photo

ARDA 2025-2026 Board of Directors - 2025 Annual Meeting (St. Louis)

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the Board of Directors (above) and the Chair (or, in their absence, Vice Chair or Secretary) of each Section. The Executive Committee is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of the Association’s initiatives and ensuring the alignment of section activities with the broader goals of the Association. The Executive Committee sets priorities and oversees key projects. The Association Manager participates with the Executive Committee to provide administrative support and ensure effective execution of decisions.

Michael Flynn
Michael Flynn LinkedIn

CHAIR -
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SECTION

Senior Director -
Rail Advisory Group
Cushman & Wakefield

Coley Campbell
Coley Campbell LinkedIn

CHAIR -
ENVIRONMENTAL SECTION

Environmemtal & Property Management -
CSX

Renee Maxey
Renee Maxey LinkedIn

CHAIR -
LAW SECTION

Assistant Legal Counsel-
Patriot Rail Company LLC

David LaPlante
David LaPlante LinkedIn

CHAIR -
REAL ESTATE SECTION

Director of Real Estate -
Union Pacific

Michael Schmedt
Michael Schmedt LinkedIn

CHAIR -
TECHNOLOGY SECTION

Transportation Geospatial Solutions Director -
HDR, Inc.

Association Management

The Association Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Association, including administrative support, membership management, and record keeping. In addition, the Manager is responsible for event coordination, including planning and executing the Association’s Annual Meeting, Section meetings, and any other events organized by the Association. The Manager works closely with the Board of Directors and various committees to implement decisions, support strategic initiatives, and serve as a key point of contact for members and external stakeholders. The Association Manager ensures effective communication and organization across the Association to achieve its goals and objectives.

Ashley Riecken
Ashley Riecken LinkedIn

ASSOCIATION MANAGER

Twelve One Collective

Claudia Killion
Claudia Killion LinkedIn

EVENT MANAGER

Twelve One Collective

We Value Your Feedback!

The ARDA Leadership is committed to fostering a strong and vibrant association that serves the needs of its members. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help us shape the future of the organization. Please feel free to reach out to any member of the Board of Directors or the Association Manager with your suggestions or comments. Together, we can continue to improve and grow the association!