BONUS FEATURE!!!

Railroad Family
25 Year Anniversaries

Our fourth quarter On Track typically lists new employees and notable anniversaries that happened during that year. The On Track that went out this past Monday followed suit….

Now, we are only a few days into 2025…. and we want to do a special feature to celebrate two employees who celebrated 25 year anniversaries!

Both of these individuals have been a major part of our success for the past 40 years, and we want to give them a special shout-out!

Jeff Jeffrey
Communications & Signals

Jeff Jeffrey (JJ) joined our company in March of 1999. He came on board as a member of the Maintenance of Way Department. In 2005, JJ’s superior work ethic was recognized in the form of a promotion to Supervisor. His many skills, including heavy equipment operation, mechanical, electrical and CDL qualifications made JJ a jack of all trades. In 2019, it was abundantly clear he had a lot to offer to the Communications & Signals Department, so he transferred to that department, and he continues to work in that capacity, today.

Jim Boyer (our Signals Manager) says this about JJ:

Jeff is multi-talented and versed in all things railroad. He is super conscientious on behalf of the railroad, and he seeks to apply everything he knows to maintaining the best interests of the railroad. Jeff is a building block, a keystone. If there was ever a fellow you needed to lean on, he is the one.

JJ won the Terry Webster Safety Award in 2011. He still reflects this honor today with his outstanding safety record.

JJ also goes above and beyond in his work. He has given up weekends to do work in the Car Wash Yard - to make it safer for everyone who traverses the roadway to that facility. JJ’s talent is unquestioned. He knows what he is doing, and we know he will do it safely!

Jim Mackey
Train & Engine Service

Jim joined our company March of 1999, after a 13 year career with Pandrol Jackson, where he progressed through the ranks, holding positions such as Supervisor of main line grinder, and Class 5 Operator for main line grinder. Jim started his career with us in train and engine service, on the NBER.

In 2006, Jim’s leadership qualities and work ethic were recognized with a promotion to the position of Assistant General Manager of the NBER. During his tenure as Assistant GM, Jim continued to work in train and engine service, in car repair, and as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers - all of which prepared him for his next, incredibly important role. In 2011, we lost the beloved General Manager of the JVRR, Jim Miller. Jim Mackey was the gentleman who stepped in to keep JVRR moving efficiently, and to Jim Miller’s standards - no small task. He stayed at JVRR until 2013, when, due to the retirement of another long-term GM, Phil Lucas, Jim moved back to NBER to take the position of NBER GM, where he maintained a stellar level of customer service and a safe work environment. He continued in this capacity for six years until 2019, when he took on the role of Safety & Compliance Manager. His wealth of knowledge and his passion for safety are valued and influential across the entire system. As Safety & Compliance Manager, he was able to mentor all of our employees on the ground - something they will always value.

Today, Jim is back at NBER - during a time of anticipated growth and transition where he is needed at the helm (and the NBER customers are excited to have him back, as they all love working with him).

Jim’s passion for mentorship and safety have been integral to the company. Jim shows his dedication with his continual action of stepping up to the plate - even when he’s on vacation! He also continues to serve as a member of our company’s Safety Committee.

We ask that you all take a note from Jim, and keep his coined phrase front of mind:

When in doubt, take the safest route!

Please join us in congratulating these two amazing individuals for 25+ years of great success and safety!

Thank you, JJ and Jim!!!