David Orona
Tinley Park,IL
Summary
Transportation Leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning and program implementation to achieve business objectives. Expertise in leading management teams and workforces in fast-paced environments. Strong background in risk management, quality control, safety program management, and personnel management.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager Terminal Operations
Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago, IL
04.2023 - Current
- Oversaw major terminal operations across nine terminals, managing 19 originating and 17 terminating trains.
- Cultivated relationships with foreign partners, facilitating interchange trains with BNSF, UP, IHB, BRC, CPKC, CN, CSL, CSX, and Chicago Rail Link.
- Established and enforced procedures to enhance team performance and safety standards.
- Created work crew schedules while delegating assignments effectively.
- Recruited, hired, and supervised workers, monitoring daily performance to ensure high standards.
- Monitored compliance with federal and railway regulations to uphold safety and operational integrity.
- Maintained industry relationships and customer partnerships to leverage opportunities for business growth.
- Managed a scheduled budget of $50 million while reviewing operating budget for trend analysis.
Assistant Terminal Superintendent
Norfolk Southern Railway
Decatur, IL
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Implemented operational changes that enhanced fluidity and reduced dwell time.
- Cultivated relationships with industry partners and customers to maximize business opportunities.
- Managed annual budget exceeding 23 million dollars while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Established procedures and work standards that promoted team performance and safety.
- Created work crew schedules, delegating assignments to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Recruited and hired staff, supervising daily performance to maintain productivity.
- Led compliance efforts with all federal and railway regulations to ensure operational integrity.
- Collaborated with ADM to enhance customer service during labor strike.
Terminal Manager
Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago, IL
04.2022 - 08.2022
- Supervised worker efficiency and resolved performance issues to enhance productivity.
- Monitored budget and operating metrics, implementing improvements to boost performance.
- Facilitated changes to operating plan for optimal operations.
- Restructured manpower schedules to align with carrier service demands.
- Led discipline hearings and managed disciplinary actions effectively.
- Collaborated with various departments on multiple projects to achieve shared goals.
- Directed training for new hire conductor trainees and coordinated scheduling.
- Worked with diverse colleagues to address customer service needs and accomplish objectives.
Senior Terminal Supervisor
Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago, IL
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Monitored yard traffic to assess track availability for inbound and outbound operations.
- Operated trains according to route plans while adhering to maintenance and repair schedules.
- Collaborated with diverse teams to achieve objectives and resolve service-related issues.
- Adjusted crew schedules to optimize service efficiency as needed.
- Participated in working groups to enhance train scheduling and improve blocking and movement.
- Conducted safety audits and employee checks to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Supervised workforce efficiency, addressing performance issues promptly.
Yardmaster
Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago, IL
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Monitored yard traffic to assess track availability for inbound and outbound operations.
- Delivered exceptional service and support to customers during direct interactions and phone conversations.
- Encouraged open and constructive communication among team members to enhance collaboration.
- Supervised multiple rail crews to ensure efficient operations across various tasks.
- Coordinated movements between train dispatchers and rail crews for effective scheduling.
- Managed collaboration between maintenance of way and mechanical teams in diverse rail yards.
Local Chairperson/Senior Vice General Chairman
United Transportation Union/SMART TD
Chicago, IL
01.2005 - 08.2021
- Cultivated strong labor-management relationships to enhance collaboration and communication.
- Advised senior railroad managers on comprehensive labor relations strategies and issues.
- Researched disciplinary and grievance matters, recommending effective resolutions.
- Educated frontline leaders on improving interactions, reducing grievances and arbitration instances.
- Interpreted contractual agreements to facilitate collective bargaining processes.
- Collaborated with diverse teams to achieve objectives and resolve service-related challenges.
Lead Craft Trainer
Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago, IL
01.2007 - 08.2021
- Instructed new team members on correct procedures for all areas of operations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance team performance, improve processes and increase efficiency.
- Led hands-on training services to maximize employee efficiency.
- Designed classroom training and testing for Conductor Trainees
- Designed efficiency and oversaw checks for Conductor Trainees
- Coordinated development of training materials, including manuals, standard operating procedures and employee handbooks.
- Co-developed on-the-job training program for new hires
- Designed and directed orientation and training programs
Freight Conductor
Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago, IL
03.2003 - 08.2021
- Produced daily delay reports, switch lists and train orders.
- Received and followed directions from train dispatchers, yard masters and trainmaster's
- Directed crew members by employing flag or hand signals, lantern and radio communications.
- Operated trains, adhered to route plans and maintained the safe operations of trains.
- Responsible for the safe handling of all railroad equipment and customer freight.
- Directed and Instructed crew members on their responsibilities
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, ILSome College (No Degree) -
George Meany Labor College
Silver Springs, MarylandTimeline
Manager Terminal Operations
Norfolk Southern Railway
04.2023 - Current
Assistant Terminal Superintendent
Norfolk Southern Railway
08.2022 - 04.2023
Terminal Manager
Norfolk Southern Railway
04.2022 - 08.2022
Senior Terminal Supervisor
Norfolk Southern Railway
09.2021 - 04.2022
Yardmaster
Norfolk Southern Railway
09.2019 - 09.2021
Lead Craft Trainer
Norfolk Southern Railway
01.2007 - 08.2021
Local Chairperson/Senior Vice General Chairman
United Transportation Union/SMART TD
01.2005 - 08.2021
Freight Conductor
Norfolk Southern Railway
03.2003 - 08.2021
Some College (No Degree) -
Moraine Valley Community College
Some College (No Degree) -
George Meany Labor College