The Intermodal Association of North America has elected new members to its Board of Directors, including Stephen Branscum, group vice president of consumer products at BNSF Railway Company, who is the association's new chairman.


Branscum, who succeeds Greg Stefflre, CEO of Rail Delivery Services, Inc., has held numerous key intermodal positions for BNSF Railway and its predecessor, Santa Fe.

Other key appointments include David Howland, vice president of Optimodal, and Steve Rubin, president of Seacastle Chassis, Inc., who were elected as vice chairman and treasurer, respectively.

"IANA's new officers and directors are experienced industry executives who will continue the Association's mission to advance solutions that will benefit all intermodal stakeholders," said Joni Casey, IANA president and CEO.

IANA elected five new directors and one director, James Hertwig, who was re-elected. The six board members, each who will serve a three-year term starting this month, include:

* James Hertwig, president, CSX Intermodal (Rail Division)

* Thomas Kelly, executive vice president and chief operating officer, MOL (America), Inc.(Water Division)

* Kevin Lhotak, president, Reliable Transportation Specialists, Inc. (Motor Carrier Division)

* Barry Michaels, assistant vice president for premium operations, Union Pacific Railroad Company

* Val Noel, president, Pacer Cartage, Inc.

* Phil Shook, director of intermodal, C.H. Robinson Worldwide (IMC Division)