Sasser, Inc.
Sasser, Inc. on March 20 announced that it has named Michael Kelly as President of its Rail division, which includes Chicago Freight Car and CF Rail Services. He will report to Jeff Walsh, CEO of Sasser, Inc., and succeeds Thomas Clark, who is retiring after a distinguished career in the rail industry.
“We thank Tom Clark for his many contributions to Chicago Freight Car and CF Rail Services and wish him the best in retirement,” Walsh said. “Mike has been an outstanding leader within our organization, and we are excited to see him step into this highly strategic role.”
Kelly brings extensive experience in sales leadership and rail industry operations. Since joining Chicago Freight Car, he has served as Sales Director for the Eastern Region and, most recently, as Vice President of Sales, where he helped drive growth across the company’s leasing business.
Before joining Chicago Freight Car, Kelly held leadership roles within the rail industry, including managing mobile repair operations and supporting growth across full-service repair shops. Earlier in his career, he worked in industrial distribution, serving the pipe, valve, and fittings markets, as well as specialty chemicals.
“I am honored to step into the role of President to lead this exceptional organization and build upon the legacy we have established since 1928,” Kelly said. “I look forward to working with our talented employees to continue growing our business, strengthening our fleet and repair capabilities, and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner across the rail industry.”
Port of Long Beach
Recently the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the creation of a new bureau, Organizational Effectiveness, and Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba has named Khristina Jason, the Port’s current Director of Human Resources, to head up the new bureau. The move takes two Port divisions which had reported directly to the CEO—Human Resources and Central Procurement Services—and places them in a bureau.
As Managing Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Jason will report directly to Hacegaba and will “lead groundbreaking new initiatives aimed at developing the Port’s own workforce of 600 teammates, as well as building even stronger connections to the business community—especially small businesses—by providing new ways for area businesses to engage with Port contracting opportunities.”
Meanwhile, the Board of Harbor Commissioners is also considering the appointment of a Chief Administrative Officer. This newly created position will report to Hacegaba and oversee four of the Port’s six bureaus—Commercial Services, Engineering Services, Finance & Administration and Planning & Environmental Affairs. Current Port of Long Beach Managing Director of Commercial Services Casey Hehr will be considered for promotion to the CAO position.
The Strategic Advocacy Bureau, led by Managing Director Eleanor Torres, will continue to report to Hacegaba and assist him in managing the Port’s strategic partnerships.
Hacegaba, who became Port CEO on Jan. 1, said he relies on the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners “to continue to provide the excellent and wise oversight that will enable Hacegaba and his leadership team to execute the Port’s 2050 Vision for doubling cargo volume while building the Port of the Future.”
“We appreciate our CEO for working closely with the Board and keeping us well informed on all plans and proposals. His attention helps us to do our job, which is to advise him and make the best decisions for the Port,” said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna. “Noel has already done a remarkable job of collaborating and executing to build a winning culture, and we look forward to building on that relationship.”
