Getting to Know: Mark Austin of CSX

摘要

Each month, AREMA features one of our committee chairs or committee members. We are pleased to announce that our September featured member is Mark Austin, PE, chair of Committee 4 - Rail, who also serves as director of Corridor Services for CSX Transportation. AREMA: Why did you decide to choose a career in railway engineering? AUSTIN: I have always had a fascination with the railroad industry since I was a child. Throughout my childhood, I remember watching CSX trains at the square in Marietta, GA with my mother. This was a special treat for me. Little did I know I'd get the chance to hi-rail that very same track many years later. AREMA: How did you get started? AUSTIN: My father-in-law, James "Kaz" Kazmierczak, was an Assistant Division Engineer - Structures for Norfolk Southern and we would have conversations about working in the railroad industry. At the time of these conversations, I was working as a civil engineering consultant. I was able to get a glimpse of what he did as an Engineering Department employee and found his work fascinating. I took the initiative to apply for Management Trainee programs with various Class I railroads. CSX was not only the first to offer me a job but was the most advantageous for me and my wife.