Dean A. Porter
Mason City
Summary
Results-oriented professional dedicated to cultivating a culture of safety while maximizing compliance. Effectively communicates with diverse stakeholders and develops impactful training programs that significantly reduce incidents and promote safety awareness. Proven track record in auditing and ensuring adherence to safety regulations across various operations.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
G.M Safety Training and Compliance
Guardian Rail
Columbus
12.2022 - 07.2026
- Working with Vice President of EHS, to maximize safety initiatives and minimize compliance issues.
- Promote a culture of safety throughout the railroad and company, to drive down injuries and incidents.
- Audit of railroad car repair shops to comply with OSHA AAR and CFR regulations.
- Certified DER in charge of FRA, FMCSA and Non-DOT, Drug and Alcohol Programs.
- Ensure that the training courses comply with the CFR 172, 214, 215, 218, 219, 220, 231, 232, 242, 243 regulations.
- Maintain compliance with the FMCSA Clearinghouse and all other CDL requirements.
- Provide classroom and hands-on training to all Rail Services employees (Railroad, Switching, Mechanical, Transloading). A well-trained employee is a safer employee.
- Trained supervisors to investigate incidents and injuries, and to conduct efficiency testing and signs and symptoms assessments.
- Assisted in accident, injury, and derailment investigations, identifying root causes and developing corrective action plans.
- Established employee-led Safety Committee to engage all staff in safety initiatives aligned with rail services and corporate safety goals.
- Developed and delivered switching training for our customers.
- Active member of Operation Lifesaver to educate the communities on safety around the railroad.
- Monitor Safetrack HOS program and Efficiency Testing Program.
- Assist with FRA Audits.
- ASLRRA Safety Committee and Mechanical Committee member.
- Executed duties as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers (DSLE) to enforce safety protocols.
Logistics Supervisor
Crescent Park Distribution
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Ensure customer satisfaction for all needs including production, quality and waste. Track all Key Performance Indicators.
- Facilitated monthly Service Level Agreement meetings, addressed discrepancies in performance metrics, and developed solutions to resolve identified issues.
- Train and Certify Forklift Operator OSHA 1910.178.
- Tracked damage and tickets through the ticket change process to ensure accurate reporting and accountability.
- Trained staff on loading and unloading trailers and inspecting refer units for proper operation.
- Identified and addressed unsafe work practices during routine evaluations.
- Reporting and documenting all safety issues and incidents.
- Verifying Fire sprinkler systems, and verifying all monthly testing is performed, and fire extinguishers are verified to be good working order monthly.
- Prepared and facilitated annual OSHA audits to ensure compliance and safety standards were met.
General Manager
Iowa Traction
Mason City
07.2018 - 09.2018
- Oversaw transloading operations for efficient cargo handling.
- Manage train crew.
- Manage track repair crew.
- Safety advocate for solving all safety issues.
- Ensure safe efficient interchanges.
- Completed daily safety log entries.
- Making work orders for crews.
- Reduced customer costs for car storage.
- Supported acquisition of new customers.
Road Foreman
Canadian Pacific Railway
Mason City
04.2012 - 07.2018
- DSLE/ DSRCO in charge of Locomotive Engineers and Remote-Control Operators.
- Investigated accidents, incidents, and rules violations to enhance safety protocols and mitigate future risks.
- Maintained organized records of engineer and conductor certifications, ensuring regulatory compliance and readiness for audits.
- Coordinated qualification training schedules for students across all operational territories, optimizing resource allocation and training efficiency.
- Trained and certified in Hazmat Response CERTC.
- Complying with FRA standards for certification of Locomotive Engineers and Conductors.
- Work with clients and customers problem-solving issues to not delay service.
- The first yard in the in the company to have Remote Control Operations running at full capacity.
Locomotive Engineer/Foreman
Canadian Pacific Railway
01.2000 - 01.2018
- Operated diesel-electric and gas-turbine-electric locomotives, interpreting train orders, signals, and regulations to ensure safe and timely transport of passengers and freight.
- Interpret train orders, train signals, and railroad rules and regulations for operating locomotives, safety. Communicate with Conductor, or traffic control center personnel via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- Observed track conditions to identify obstructions and defects; inspected locomotive post-run for damaged or defective equipment to maintain operational safety.
- Prepared incident reports detailing accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays to facilitate investigations and improve future operational efficiency.
- Synchronize watch to ensure departure time from station or terminal is in accordance with time schedule.
Trainer/Instructor
Canadian Pacific Railway
Mason City
06.2011 - 04.2012
- Delivered rules classes including new hire conductor, advanced engineer training, and rules qualification to enhance employee knowledge and compliance.
- Collaborated with MOW and transportation departments on annual rules updates and tri-annual rules certifications to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Reviewed training process to identify cost-saving measures within the department.
- Achieved DSLE qualification in October 2011.
- Train the Trainer 11-9-2011 (Bob Pike).
Shipping and Receiving Supervisor-Forklift Operator
Mason City Cold Storage
Mason City
01.1994 - 01.2000
- Collaborated with team to efficiently move products in and out of storage, ensuring timely operations.
- Prepare shipping and receiving orders and damage reports for customer products.
- Trained new employees on equipment operation and safety procedures, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
- Inspect equipment and products to detect defects or malfunctions to be repaired or disposed of properly.
- Coordinated with subordinates to streamline operations and maintain a smooth workflow.
- Implement safety programs to decrease injuries at work.
Automotive Recovery Professional/Locksmith Apprentice
Broome’s Wrecker Service
Mason City
01.1991 - 01.1994
- Working within high security businesses doing routine maintenance or completing high security lock work.
- Assisted customers during high-pressure situations to resolve issues effectively.
- Inspected and prepared equipment, maintaining accurate inventory of operational tools.
- Processed invoices and managed billing for customer transactions.
- Anticipated fuel conservation needs and implemented cost-control policies.
Education
OSHA -10 and 30 Certification - General Pupose
360 Traiing
01-2026
Train the Trainer -
Bob Pike
07-2011
High School Diploma -
Algona High School
Algona, IowaHazMat Response – CERTC -
DER – Designated Employer Representative - FMCSA, FRA and NON-DOT Drug and Alcohol
Certified Training Solutions
CP Locomotive Engineer School – Certified Locomotive Engineer -
Skills
- Logistics
- Customer Service
- Locomotive Operations
- Scheduling
- Labor
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Professional Development
- Training
- Safety
- Training and Compliance
- Certifications DER
- CERTC (Haz Mat)
- FRA
- OSHA
- FMCSA
- DOT
Timeline
G.M Safety Training and Compliance
Guardian Rail
12.2022 - 07.2026
Logistics Supervisor
Crescent Park Distribution
01.2019 - 12.2022
General Manager
Iowa Traction
07.2018 - 09.2018
Road Foreman
Canadian Pacific Railway
04.2012 - 07.2018
Trainer/Instructor
Canadian Pacific Railway
06.2011 - 04.2012
Locomotive Engineer/Foreman
Canadian Pacific Railway
01.2000 - 01.2018
Shipping and Receiving Supervisor-Forklift Operator
Mason City Cold Storage
01.1994 - 01.2000
Automotive Recovery Professional/Locksmith Apprentice
Broome’s Wrecker Service
01.1991 - 01.1994
OSHA -10 and 30 Certification - General Pupose
360 Traiing
Train the Trainer -
Bob Pike
High School Diploma -
Algona High School
HazMat Response – CERTC -
DER – Designated Employer Representative - FMCSA, FRA and NON-DOT Drug and Alcohol
Certified Training Solutions