Corman’s Broyles New Chair of Short Line Rail Trade Group

Why It Matters

The leadership change positions a seasoned short‑line operator at the helm of ASLRRA, potentially sharpening the group’s influence on policy that affects freight connectivity and cost structures across the U.S. rail network.

Key Takeaways

• Justin Broyles becomes ASLRRA chairman, effective April 14.
• Broyles brings 2020 board experience and R.J. Corman leadership.
• Matt Walsh steps down after full three‑year term.
• Kristen Bevil appointed vice chair, representing Pinsly Railroad.
• ASLRRA aims to strengthen regulatory advocacy for short lines.

Pulse Analysis

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) serves as the collective voice for more than 1,200 short‑line and regional carriers that move roughly 30 percent of U.S. freight tonnage. By lobbying on safety standards, infrastructure funding, and surface‑transport policy, the group helps smaller railroads compete with Class I giants. Recent years have seen heightened scrutiny of rail‑car inspections and a push for greater public‑private partnerships, making effective leadership at ASLRRA critical for shaping the regulatory environment that governs these vital connectors.

Justin Broyles, president and chief executive of R.J. Corman, brings more than a decade of operational expertise to the chairmanship. Since joining the ASLRRA board in 2020, he has overseen Corman’s expansion into intermodal terminals and bulk‑commodity services, positioning the company as a model for growth among short‑line operators. His tenure coincides with a wave of consolidation in the sector, where larger regional carriers acquire niche lines to broaden network reach. Broyles’ dual perspective as an industry executive and board veteran is expected to steer the association toward pragmatic, growth‑focused advocacy.

The appointment also signals a strategic push to influence upcoming federal rail legislation, including the Surface Transportation Bill and the Rail Safety Improvement Act revisions. With Kristen Bevil of Pinsly Railroad as vice chair, the leadership team now blends legal acumen and operational insight, a combination that could accelerate progress on issues such as track access rights and funding for signal upgrades. Stakeholders—from shippers to regional economies—stand to benefit if ASLRRA can secure policies that lower cost barriers and enhance service reliability for the nation’s short‑line network.