Brian Hadley
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
With over 28 years of experience in the railroad industry, I bring hands-on expertise, technical know-how, and a passion for safety. My background includes a deep understanding of passenger and freight rail operations, regulatory compliance, and building strong safety cultures. I have extensive experience developing and implementing safety programs, leading teams, and fostering collaboration to protect people and sustain performance. As a Certified Safety and Security Director through the World Safety Organization, I’m committed to promoting engagement, accountability, and excellence in all aspects of rail safety and operations
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Safety
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
12.2009 - 06.2025
- Lead safety strategy and culture across commuter rail and streetcar properties for 1500 employees.
- Regulatory compliance SME across FRA, FTA, OSHA.
- Drove safety initiatives through field engagement and local leadership support.
- Provided leadership and oversight to 16 site-level safety managers.
- Managed and processed claims efficiently, implementing proactive safety measures that reduced FRA reportable injuries by 50%.
- Conducted thorough accident investigations to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
Safety Director
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
09.2019 - 06.2020
- Directed safety operations for 5 large-scale construction projects.
- Spearheaded safety data tracking and analysis to drive strategic targets.
- Conducted field visits to assess risks and enforce compliance.
- Mentored junior staff members on proper techniques for hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident reporting procedures.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments for reporting potential hazards or unsafe conditions, enabling prompt action and resolution.
General Manager
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Managed operations and safety for a 35-person team.
- Liaison with FRA, FTA, and local regulatory bodies.
- Oversaw multimillion-dollar O&M budget and staff certification.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
Director, Safety, Security & Training
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
08.2015 - 07.2018
- Achieved 4M riders with zero employee injuries over 2 years.
- Developed and led FTA Safety and Security Certification Program.
- Oversaw daily ops and control center for 6,000 riders/day.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
Corporate Manager, Safety & Compliance
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
11.2012 - 08.2015
- Corporate liaison with all regulatory bodies.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to develop long-term corporate goals and implement actionable plans to achieve them.
- Improved risk management practices by implementing thorough assessments of potential threats and developing proactive contingency plans accordingly.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Deputy GM, Safety, Training & Compliance
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
09.2011 - 11.2012
- Oversaw compliance with all applicable 49 CFR regulations and Cal/OSHA.
- Directed safety programs and cross-departmental action planning
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new start-up.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Director of Commuter Operations
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
12.2009 - 09.2011
- Managed dispatch and operations on a 156-mile railroad that had both passenger and freight.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on operations.
Regional Safety Manager
Watco Companies
04.2009 - 12.2009
- Organized annual audits to gauge the effectiveness of implemented procedures, refining strategies based on findings when necessary.
- Provided ongoing support for employees in maintaining safe working environments through coaching sessions and resources.
- Conducted regular site inspections to identify potential risks and address them proactively.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by staying up-to-date on industry standards and updating company policies accordingly.
Manager of Operating Practices
Union Pacific Railroad
09.2005 - 04.2009
- Mentored locomotive engineers and managed compliance efforts.
- DSLE for 76 engineers operating over 350 miles of track.
- Led efforts for assigned employees to work injury free for 2 years.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Technical Instructor
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2002 - 09.2005
- Delivered RCO, safety, and operating rules training programs to over 1000 employees across the system.
- Evaluated student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Mentored new instructors joining the team, sharing best practices for effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Prepared students for industry certifications by aligning course materials with relevant exam objectives and offering practice exams.
Locomotive Engineer / Conductor
Union Pacific Railroad
11.1997 - 06.2002
- Reduced fuel consumption with strategic train handling techniques, resulting in significant cost savings.
- Assisted in training new Locomotive Engineers, sharing knowledge and best practices for optimal job performance.
- Strengthened communication between crew members through regular briefings and debriefings, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Skillfully operated multiple types of locomotives across diverse terrains, displaying adaptability and flexibility in challenging situations.
Education
Accident Investigation for Railroad Professionals -
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC05.2011
Rail Transit Industrial Safety - OSHA
Oklahoma City, OK01.2015
49 CFR 217,219, 240
American Shortline And Regional RR Association
Hot Springs, AR09.2010
Skills
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Safety program design
- Root cause analysis
- Rail operations oversight
- Regulatory audit expertise
- Safety training expertise
- SMS deployment
- Leadership in cross-functional teams
- Operational oversight in field settings
- Data analysis
- Accident investigation
- Procedure implementation
- Safety culture development
- Records/files maintenance
Timeline
Safety Director
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
09.2019 - 06.2020
General Manager
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
07.2018 - 09.2019
Director, Safety, Security & Training
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
08.2015 - 07.2018
Corporate Manager, Safety & Compliance
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
11.2012 - 08.2015
Deputy GM, Safety, Training & Compliance
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
09.2011 - 11.2012
Director of Safety
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
12.2009 - 06.2025
Director of Commuter Operations
Herzog Transit Services, Inc.
12.2009 - 09.2011
Regional Safety Manager
Watco Companies
04.2009 - 12.2009
Manager of Operating Practices
Union Pacific Railroad
09.2005 - 04.2009
Technical Instructor
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2002 - 09.2005
Locomotive Engineer / Conductor
Union Pacific Railroad
11.1997 - 06.2002
49 CFR 217,219, 240
American Shortline And Regional RR Association
Accident Investigation for Railroad Professionals -
National Transportation Safety Board
Rail Transit Industrial Safety - OSHA
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