Richmond Pacific’s Barbara O’Neill Retires

Barbara O’Neill, a longtime contributor to the short-line industry retired on Dec. 31.  For more than 18 years, O’Neill was vice president of marketing and sales for Richmond Pacific Railroad Corp.  Her responsibilities included market development, commercial agreements, planning, forecasting, customer service and Class I commercial interfaces. 

Prior to joining the short line, O’Neill served three Class Is for more than 20 years primarily in sales and marketing positions: the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, and CSX.

Late last year, O’Neill, 69, reached the point she was ready to retire after considering it for a while. She wanted to spend more time with family and friends.

 “It was a fun job. The short-line world is more fun since you are close to customers — they’re right there, a few miles away,” says O’Neill. “We can switch cars for them three times in one day, or on a weekend, if that’s what a customer wants. We make it easier for customers and offer a very friendly environment.”

For the full story about Barbara O’Neill’s retirement, read the article at Progressive Railroading.