Date:
Monday, November 26, 2007
Contact:
Barbara Ivanov, Freight Systems Division Director, 360-705-7931
Tonia Buell, Communications Manager, 360-705-7439
OLYMPIA--The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announces its management team is complete for the new Freight Systems Division.
"Earlier this year we combined our passenger and freight rail program and our strategic planning group into a new division to achieve the Governor’s desire for a more robust freight program,” said Barbara Ivanov, Freight Systems Division Director. “With these appointments, our management team is fully staffed and we are poised for a more focused relationship with the freight industry."
- Dale A. Tabat was hired as the new Truck Program and Policy Manager. He will focus on integrating truck freight services within the department, truck parking, truck freight data, research and policy. Tabat will also serve as the division’s liaison with the Washington Trucking Association and legislative staff. Tabat has an extensive career in the transportation sector, as well as legislative expertise developed as chair of the California Trucking Association’s Kingpin Committee.
- George Xu was appointed to the position of Planning and Strategic Assessment Manager. Xu leads the division’s transportation research and special studies, data analysis, estimation, forecasting, and investment analysis. Xu brings his experience from his prior position at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner in Washington State.
- Vickie Sheehan serves as the Passenger Rail and Freight Communications Manager. Sheehan provides communications and public outreach for more than 40 capital rail projects and freight policy projects. She also manages marketing and advertising for the state-supported Amtrak Cascades. Sheehan has extensive experience in consumer marketing from the private sector including working with the local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler, professional sports teams and entertainment venues.
The new employees join a strong team (pdf 100 KB) with years of experience in the freight rail industry. Scott Witt, State Rail and Marine Director, was the director of corporate transportation for Oregon Steel Mills from 1999-2006 and is a senior logistics executive with more than 23 years of transportation experience. Andrew Wood, State Rail and Marine Deputy Director, held many management positions at British Rail, including Port Director and a senior management position in the British Rail Headquarters in York.
WSDOT’s Freight Systems Division directs strategy and policy for the state’s three freight systems: Global Gateways—international and national trade flows, Made in Washington—state’s manufacturers and farmers, and Delivering Goods to You—distribution of retail and wholesale products. The division also oversees public investment in Washington’s rail network. Washington’s freight system is an interconnected network of highways and local roads, main line and short line railroads, navigable waterways and deepwater ports.
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