Transportation executive bringing over 35 years of leadership and operational excellence
in rail, logistics, and infrastructure to guide growth, risk oversight, and strategic execution.
Thomas C. Albanese is a seasoned transportation executive and board leader with over 35 years of experience in rail, logistics, infrastructure, and operations. From his roots as a West Point-trained U.S. Army officer to senior roles at BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC), Tom has consistently led high-impact operational transformations that improve service reliability, cost efficiency, and safety across complex systems.
Throughout his career, Tom has blended deep operational expertise with strategic vision – guiding organizations through enterprise-wide change, implementing Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), and aligning technology with frontline performance. At CPKC, he played a pivotal role in digital modernization and network optimization during a period of major growth and cross-border integration.
In the boardroom, Tom brings a proven governance record through roles with multiple joint ventures and subsidiaries including the Belt Railway of Chicago, Indiana Harbor Belt, and Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railway. He is known for providing clear, data-driven oversight and shaping policy that drives long-term value creation, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.
Tom’s leadership style is rooted in disciplined execution, accountability, and continuous improvement. A trusted mentor and coach, he’s passionate about building strong cultures and enabling future leaders. His board contributions reflect not only technical depth, but a cross-functional, international perspective shaped by collaborative work in Canada, Germany, and the U.S.
Now focused on board service, Tom offers seasoned insight into transportation, logistics, industrial services, and infrastructure organizations navigating transformation, scale, or regulatory complexity. He is especially valuable to boards seeking pragmatic oversight, strategic clarity, and performance-focused governance.
Character:
Tom Albanese exemplifies integrity, resilience, and disciplined leadership honed through decades of military and executive service. His principled approach fosters trust, accountability, and strong organizational cultures rooted in operational excellence.
Knowledge:
With more than 35 years in rail and logistics, Tom holds an unparalleled depth of expertise in systems design, supply chain strategy, and transportation governance. His insights stem not only from board-level oversight but from decades spent optimizing field operations and integrating digital infrastructure.
Strategic:
Tom is a master strategist who blends vision with execution, having led transformations under the Precision Scheduled Railroading model and beyond. He helps organizations see around corners, anticipate risk, and align operational capabilities with strategic goals.
Communication:
An articulate communicator and public speaker, Tom distills complex operational concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels. His ability to translate data into dialogue has made him an effective board contributor, team leader, and industry advocate.
