Joan SmemoeRailinc Corp.
Smemoe, who has worked at Railinc for 20 years and most recently served as chief information officer, will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations and execution across the organization. Current President and CEO Allen West will retain the CEO role through his retirement in July, working closely with Smemoe to maintain organizational momentum.
The promotion recognizes Smemoe’s deep institutional knowledge and operational expertise in delivering technology solutions that support the safety, efficiency and interoperability of North America’s freight rail network.
“Joan is a proven leader with a deep understanding of Railinc’s mission, customers and technology,” said Todd Rynaski, senior vice president of strategy at Union Pacific and chair of the Railinc Board of Directors. “The Railinc Board is grateful for Allen’s successful stewardship of the company over the past two decades, and we are confident Joan has the ability, strategic mindset and vision to continue leading the organization forward.”
“I’m honored to step into the role of president and grateful for the trust placed in me,” Smemoe said. “Railinc has an incredibly talented team and a strong reputation for delivering solutions the industry depends on every day.”
West, who has served as Railinc’s president and CEO since 2006, expressed confidence in the transition.
“Joan has earned the trust of our customers, our employees and our Board through her leadership and commitment to results,” West said.
Following West’s retirement in July, Smemoe will assume full leadership as president, reporting to the Railinc Board of Directors.
