Experience

Association of American Railroads

• United States
• Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Associate General Counsel - Safety

  • Oct 2022 - Present

  Provides legal counsel and advice (including counsel and advice regarding compliance with antitrust laws) to AAR committees concerned with rail safety matters. Assists in the development of policy positions, including leading and supporting regulatory, legislative and litigation advocacy efforts on behalf of AAR's members with regard to rail safety, hazardous materials safety, and spectrum. Provides legal counsel and advice to AAR and its subsidiaries regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Show less



Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

• United States
• Government Administration
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Associate Administrator, Office of Planning and Analytics

  • Dec 2019 - Oct 2022

  Provided executive leadership to a cross-cutting team that is tasked with boosting PHMSA's performance in rulemaking, environmental policymaking, economic analysis, data analysis, research and development, strategic planning, and performance management.

• Assistant Chief Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, Office of Chief Counsel

  • Aug 2016 - Dec 2019

  Responsible for leading PHMSA's Regulatory Affairs Division. Provided legal services and representation for PHMSA’s pipeline safety and hazardous materials transportation safety programs. Advised the program offices concerning the applicable laws, regulations, guidance, and executive orders relating to rulemaking and regulatory matters. Coordinated with senior executives in identifying regulatory priorities and developing PHMSA's regulatory agenda. Worked with Congress, outside agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public in developing and finalizing agency rulemakings. Show less



Federal Railroad Administration

• United States
• Government Administration
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Senior Trial Attorney, Office of Chief Counsel

  • Feb 2008 - Aug 2016

  Senior attorney responsible for advancing regulatory initiatives related to rail transportation safety. Drafted regulations adopting industry standards, implementing regulatory review initiatives, and initiating protections for high-hazard flammable trains. Enforced Federal rail safety laws, reviewing proposed civil penalties for legal sufficiency and prosecuting civil penalty enforcement actions. Advised on litigation matters before the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Circuit Courts, and the Surface Transportation Board. Show less



Melkus, Fleming & Gutierrez

• Tampa, FL

• Associate

  • Jun 2002 - Feb 2008

  Active trial and appellate litigation practice primarily focused on railroad law. Handled actions related to the Federal Employers' Liability Act, grade crossing incidents, contractual indemnification, land use, and the environment. Active trial and appellate litigation practice primarily focused on railroad law. Handled actions related to the Federal Employers' Liability Act, grade crossing incidents, contractual indemnification, land use, and the environment.