“Driven by purpose, guided by principle, and anchored in impact.”
Larry E. Salci’s distinguished career spans over five decades and reflects a relentless commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformation within the transportation and manufacturing sectors. From the factory floor at Chrysler to boardrooms of billion-dollar rail corporations and national legislative chambers, Larry has built a storied career rooted in strategic foresight, operational acumen, and a passion for service. His journey stands as a testament to what vision, grit, and integrity can accomplish across both public and private enterprises.
Beginning his professional life at Chrysler Corporation in 1968, Larry quickly demonstrated a keen aptitude for financial and operational analysis within one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Rising through progressively senior roles, he developed a strong foundation in budgetary oversight, metallurgy, and manufacturing operations. His early experiences prepared him to navigate complex industrial systems and nurtured his appreciation for engineering discipline, a trait that would define his leadership in future roles. His time at Chrysler also saw him selected for the prestigious Chrysler Institute, equipping him with the technical and managerial skills to lead large-scale manufacturing operations.
In the mid-1970s, Larry shifted gears from automobiles to public transportation, where he accepted a pivotal role at the Southeastern Michigan Transportation Authority (SEMTA). Serving as General Manager and CEO, Larry oversaw a transformative era that included the acquisition of multiple bus companies, the establishment of new commuter rail services, and the development of a groundbreaking $720 million federally-backed capital program. His leadership laid the groundwork for one of the nation’s most ambitious regional transportation overhauls and demonstrated his rare ability to unite policy, finance, engineering, and people under a common vision.
Larry’s trajectory continued upward as he joined The Budd Company in the early 1980s, taking the helm of its Transit Group. Here, he managed over $1 billion in railcar manufacturing contracts and orchestrated international licensing agreements for stainless steel railcar technology. His tenure included pioneering advancements in MagLev feasibility, double-stack freight car technology, and even collaborative defense manufacturing. His efforts positioned Budd Transit as a global innovator and ultimately attracted acquisition interest from international conglomerates.
Following Budd, Larry was named President of Bombardier Corporation U.S., where he expanded the company’s presence across multiple transportation modalities. Under his guidance, Bombardier secured over 800 vehicle contracts and led the successful bid for the Taipei rapid transit system. He also played a central role in the U.S. rollout of the Acela high-speed rail program and the $6 billion Texas Triangle high-speed rail project. His deep engagement with legislative and regulatory frameworks further elevated Bombardier’s influence in the North American marketplace.
Larry’s resilience was perhaps most visible during his leadership of the Morrison Knudsen Rail Group and the subsequent creation of the American Passenger Railcar Company (Amerail). When MK’s financial missteps threatened collapse, Larry stepped in to restructure operations, negotiate with creditors, and deliver on over $1 billion in railcar contracts. Through innovative employee incentive programs, supplier negotiations, and engineering reforms, he salvaged hundreds of jobs, mitigated financial exposure for sureties, and restored industry confidence. His successful stewardship culminated in the sale of Amerail to Alstom, once again demonstrating his unmatched capacity for business turnaround under duress.
From 2002 to 2008, Larry served as President & CEO of the Bi-State Development Agency (Metro) in St. Louis, where he led a comprehensive transformation of a struggling urban transit system. His immediate implementation of a Management Action Plan revitalized Metro’s public image, eliminated chronic deficits, and introduced infrastructure innovations that earned national accolades. His successful oversight of the $676 million MetroLink expansion—delivered ahead of schedule—became a benchmark for public project execution. Under his leadership, Metro’s financial, operational, and customer satisfaction metrics soared, reestablishing it as a trusted and efficient transit provider.
Since 2008, Larry has applied his extensive expertise as Principal of SalciConsult, a boutique consulting firm serving the transportation sector. His clients range from global financial institutions to state departments of transportation and transit manufacturers. His expert witness services in high-stakes litigation and arbitration have influenced decisions on multimillion-dollar cases. Larry’s work with the Next Generation Equipment Committee (NGEC) and federal regulatory agencies has helped shape the future of high-speed rail and locomotive standards in the U.S. His technical, operational, and strategic insights continue to shape national procurement, safety, and funding frameworks.
Larry’s voice has also echoed in the chambers of Congress, where he has testified multiple times on transit funding and policy matters. He is a trusted advisor to private companies and public agencies alike, bringing a reputation for ethical leadership, clear judgment, and technical credibility. His deep understanding of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, along with his command of project finance and engineering documentation, make him an unmatched resource in the surface transportation industry.
Beyond his executive and consulting credentials, Larry is a devoted husband, musician, and golf enthusiast. His values reflect an enduring commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service. Despite 50 years of professional achievement, Larry remains energized by new challenges and opportunities to shape the transportation industry’s future. His career is not merely a record of positions held, but a story of transformative impact across sectors and decades.
Now seeking select board roles and advisory engagements, Larry brings to the table a rare blend of leadership depth, operational expertise, and strategic vision. With global experience spanning Europe, Japan, and the U.K., and a client list including Amtrak, Bombardier, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, he remains as relevant and valuable today as at any point in his career. In every engagement, Larry offers the wisdom of experience with the curiosity of a lifelong learner—ready to mentor, guide, and build toward a better-connected world.
Character:
Larry Salci exemplifies character through his unwavering commitment to public service, ethical decision-making, and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether rebuilding an agency from dysfunction or salvaging a distressed corporation, his leadership is defined by integrity and accountability.
Knowledge:
Larry’s five-decade career across engineering, operations, finance, and strategy makes him a rare multidimensional expert in transportation. His command of regulatory environments, manufacturing systems, and capital project execution is both deep and uniquely practical.
Strategic:
Larry has a proven history of turning around underperforming organizations by implementing forward-thinking strategies aligned with financial sustainability and public trust. His work in both private enterprise and public institutions showcases a masterful balance of vision and execution.
Communication:
As a former CEO, board advisor, and congressional witness, Larry is a compelling communicator who builds consensus across technical, financial, and political spheres. His ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity makes him a respected voice in boardrooms and government alike.
