Jeff Norwood started his career in 1979 as a Switchman/Conductor with the Santa Fe Railroad. During his career with the Santa Fe and BNSF Jeff held various positions including Yardmaster, Trainmaster, Terminal Superintendent and Division Superintendent throughout the central and south central United States. In 2008, Jeff joined the PTRA team as Superintendent of Transportation and was promoted to General Manager on January 1st. 2012.

David Moon joined the PTRA in 2010 as Chief Financial Officer. His credentials include seven years of Railroad Accounting experience coupled with seventeen years of Finance and Accounting experience in the airline industry. David has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Joe started his career with the Union Pacific in Jan 2001 as a conductor/switchman in Roseville, CA. He worked for the Union Pacific for 11 years. During that time Joe held various positions throughout Texas and Arkansas including Manager of Yard Operations, Manager of Train Operations, and Director of Terminal Operations and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Translation and International Business. Joe joined the PTRA in March 2012 as the Superintendent of Transportation.

Darrell Himel started his career in 1975 as a track laborer with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Throughout his career, he has held various Track Maintenance Management positions throughout Louisiana and Texas. Darrell joined the PTRA team in 1995 as the Superintendent of Track Maintenance.

James Chastun began his career in 1974 when he hired on with the Southern Pacific as a Carman. During his career, James has work experience as a Car Foreman, Wrecker Rerail Crew Member, Hazardous Materials Trainer, FRA Compliance Officer, Locomotive Quality Manager and Locomotive Shop Manager. James joined the PTRA in 2009 and currently serves as the Superintendent of Mechanical Maintenance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting.

Theresa Sharpless joined the PTRA in 2002 as the Director of Human Resources. Her previous experience includes seven years in Field Operations Management with the Union Pacific Railroad and five years in staffing and call center startups. Theresa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Transportation and Logistics.

Kirk Higbie began his PTRA career in 2007. Prior to joining the PTRA, Kirk held various transportation operating positions that included Trainmaster, District Superintendent and Transportation Manager with the Norfolk Southern and Genesee & Wyoming railroads. Kirk has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Materials and Logistics Management.

Jim started his railroad career as a Brakeman/Conductor on the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1978. He has served in several management positions during his career in Safety, Road and Terminal Operations, Management Development and Training. He joined the PTRA in 2007 and currently serves as the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations.

Jim holds a Business Administration degree in Organizational Management and a Master of Science degree in Management.

David began his railroad career in 1979 with the Southern Pacific Railroad and worked as a Switchman/Brakeman and Conductor. In 1990, he came to work for the PTRA and subsequently held the positions of Switchman, Engineer, Yardmaster, Trainmaster and Superintendent. In 2001, David left the PTRA to take a position with Railcar Management Inc. where he performed service as a Senior Systems Analyst and Director of Product Development.

In 2010, PTRA was fortunate to have David return in his current capacity as Director of Systems Design.

Mike Rusk began his police career in 1985 as a deputy in Nacogdoches County, TX. In 1987 he joined the railroad industry as a patrolman for the Houston Belt Terminal. In 1993 he hired on with the Burlington Northern Railway prior to joining the PTRA in 2002 as the Director of Police Services for the PTRA.

David Stanton, Director of Claims, joined the PTRA in 2009 after a nineteen year career with the Southern Pacific/Union Pacific. His prior experience includes positions as Claims Representative, Senior Claims Representative and Senior Claims Specialist.

David has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Real Estate.

Jack Forsyth started his railroad career in 1992 when he hired out with the PTRA as a Switchman. During his tenure, he has held numerous positions including train crew Switchman, Yardmaster, Trainmaster and currently serves the PTRA as a Director of Transportation Services.

Jason Martinez began his railroad career with the PTRA in 1997. Since that time he has held numerous positions within the organization including Switchman, Yardmaster, Assistant Trainmaster, Trainmaster and his current position of Director of Transportation Services.

Scott Sanders currently serves the PTRA as a Director of Transportation Services. His railroad career began in 1998 when he hired on with the PTRA as a train crew Switchman. Scott has held various positions including Switchman, Yardmaster, Assistant Trainmaster and Trainmaster prior to his current Director position.

Brian Mooney started his career in 1998 as a train crew Switchman. Prior to the working for the PTRA, Brian worked as a heavy equipment operator for a demolition company. Brian has held various positions while on the PTRA, including Switchman, Yardmaster, Assistant Trainmaster and Trainmaster prior to his current Director position.

Peggy Davis started her railroad career with the PTRA in 1979 as a clerk. In 1990, she was promoted to an officer position and is currently the Manager of Contracts and Joint Facilities. Peggy also serves as the Secretary to the Board of Operations and is a member of the Pension and 401K Committees.

Wesley Holloway joined the PTRA in 2009 as the Manager of Operating Practices; his area of responsibility includes management and oversight of all PTRA locomotive engineers, including federal regulatory compliance relative to locomotive engineer licensing.

Prior to joining the PTRA Team, Wesley worked for nineteen years on the Union Pacific Railroad holding various positions including Brakeman, Fireman, Conductor, Engineer, Foot Board Yardmaster, Peer Trainer, Manager of Train Operations, Manager of Operating Practices and Manager of Road Operations.

Jessie Farmer began his career with the PTRA in 1992 as a Switchman. Prior to working for the PTRA, Jessie worked as a mechanic installing HVAC systems. Jessie held various positions while on the PTRA, including Switchman, Locomotive Engineer, Yardmaster and Assistant Trainmaster prior to being promoted to Road Foreman of Engines in 2012. His current area of responsibility includes management and oversight of all PTRA conductors, including federal regulatory compliance relative to conductor certification.

Jessie has an AAS degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.

Fred Lange started his career with the Southern Pacific in 1984. He joined the PTRA team in 1991 working as a track laborer. During his twenty-five plus year career, he has achieved a mastery of all types of track maintenance and repair.

Chris Brashear hired out on the PTRA in 2000 as a train crew Switchman. He was promoted to Yardmaster in 2004, and in 2007 was promoted to Assistant Trainmaster.  He currently holds the position of Trainmaster. His coverage area typically includes the industries along the north side of the Houston Ship Channel.

Carl Matejka joined the PTRA in 2008 as a Trainmaster. Prior to the PTRA, he worked as a Trainmaster for Norfolk Southern in Virginia, North Carolina and Illinois. He attended Northwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science in Project Management.

Brandon Reynolds started his career in 2000 as a train crew Switchman. Brandon has held various positions while on the PTRA, including Switchman, Yardmaster, Assistant Trainmaster and Trainmaster. Brandon’s coverage area typically includes the industries along the south side of the Houston Ship Channel.

Tim Young began his career in 1998 as a train crew Switchman. Prior to working for the PTRA, Tim worked in industry and has experience in locomotive operation, plastic hopper loading/unloading, and petroleum coke production and rail car loading/unloading. Tim has held various positions while on the PTRA, including Switchman, Yardmaster and Assistant Trainmaster. Tim’s coverage area typically includes the industries along the south side of the Houston Ship Channel.

Andrew began his railroad career in 2002 as a switchman with the BNSF at Saginaw Yard in Fort Worth, Texas. He moved to Houston later that same year and worked at several different yards throughout the Houston Complex. After working on road turns as a conductor from Houston to Temple 2006, he was promoted to Yardmaster. In 2010 Andrew was promoted to Trainmaster at Houston South Yard. In April of 2012, Andrew joined the PTRA as a Trainmaster and has the coverage area along the north side of the Houston Ship Channel.

Prior to his railroad career, Andrew served in the United States Marine Corps in different communications platoons with the 3^rd Marines and Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 and 473.

Andrew has been married to his wonderful and lovely wife Brenda for 14  years. They have 3 children together Helaina is 8, Ginger is 4, and Major is 2.

Sylvester Eason began his career with the PTRA in 1982 in the Track Maintenance Department. After 24 years of service within Maintenance of Way, he transferred to the Transportation Department as a Switchman, ultimately performing service as a Switchman and a Yardmaster prior to becoming an Assistant Trainmaster. Sylvester’s coverage area typically includes the industries along the north side of the Houston Ship Channel.

Blain hired out with the PTRA in February of 1999 right out of high school. In the last 13 years he has held the positions of Switchman, Locomotive Engineer current license), Yardmaster and now the position of Assistant Trainmaster. Blain has worked both sides of the ship channel and is very familiar with both. His assignment as an Assistant Trainmaster will have him stationed on the North Shore side of the property. Blain has been married for 11 years and has two wonderful little girls ages 6 and 1 1/2.