Tom Tisa is a distinguished executive with over three decades of leadership experience in the transportation and rail industry. His career has been marked by a series of impactful roles and achievements that have solidified his reputation as a leading authority in rail logistics, business development, and strategic growth.
Tom served as the Assistant Vice President of Network Development Strategies at CSX, where he spearheaded significant initiatives, such as negotiating a 1 million-square-foot warehouse agreement with Plastic Express and coordinating regulatory applications with the Surface Transportation Board. His leadership in forming the Strategic Customer Support team has enhanced collaboration between Operations and Commercial groups, addressing service issues and uncovering new opportunities.
Tom was also the Assistant Vice President of Business Development at CSX. During his tenure, he transformed a $500 million Regional Sales team, achieving double-digit annual growth through strategic market expansion and innovative social media campaigns. He also managed an Industrial Development and Site Design team that oversaw $150 million in projects, including high-profile announcements from major corporations and electric vehicle plants. His negotiation skills were pivotal in securing settlement agreements for the $600 million Pan Am Railways acquisition, leading to optimized commercial integration and growth.
Tom’s extensive experience includes serving as the Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Development at CSX, where he orchestrated the development of a large plastic pellet facility and implemented growth strategies for Short Line railroads. His earlier roles at CN, where he held various director positions including Director of Business Development and Director of Sales, further showcase his expertise in business and corporate development, marketing strategy, and project management.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Tom has made significant contributions to the rail industry through his involvement on several boards. He has served as a Board Member for the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corporation, The Indiana Rail Road Company, and The Belt Railway Company of Chicago. He also served as President of industry association boards North American Rail Shippers (NARS) and Midwest Association Rail Shippers (MARS). His board work reflects his commitment to advancing the rail industry and fostering strategic partnerships.
Tom’s educational background includes an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BBA in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame. He has also completed executive programs in Strategic Marketing Management and Transportation Marketing Strategy, further enhancing his expertise.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Tom is dedicated to philanthropy. He has served as the Past Chairman of the Board at Chicago Youth Centers Fellowship House and board member for the Western Springs Foundation for Education Excellence.
Tom Tisa’s career is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to driving innovation and growth in the transportation industry. His contributions continue to shape the future of rail logistics and strategic development.
Character: Tom Tisa exemplifies integrity and resilience, consistently demonstrating a commitment to ethical leadership and excellence. His dedication to fostering a positive organizational culture and driving impactful results underscores his strong character.
Knowledge: With deep expertise in transportation, business development, and strategic planning, Tom Tisa possesses a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics and market trends. His extensive experience, including executive roles and board positions, equips him with a wealth of knowledge to navigate complex business landscapes.
Strategic: Tom excels in crafting and executing strategic initiatives that drive growth and operational efficiency. His ability to align organizational goals with innovative solutions and market opportunities showcases his adeptness in strategic thinking and planning.
Communication: Known for his exceptional communication skills, Tom Tisa effectively conveys complex ideas and strategies to diverse audiences. His talent for building collaborative relationships and leading high-impact negotiations enhances his capacity to influence and drive organizational success.
