Derrick James has been with Amtrak since 2007. He was recruited to Amtrak from Chicago Transit Authority. In his role at Amtrak he is responsible for cultivating solid relationships with mayors, other local political and civic leaders, and community advocates, to advance the railroad’s mission of providing relevant, market-driven intercity passenger service at value for the taxpayer. Amtrak provides intercity passenger service on 28 corridors under contract for 17 states. He works with executive and legislative leaders in nine of those states to make the case for continuation of those contracts and by extension, continued service to rail customers. As Amtrak charts a future of expansion along potential corridors, he is making the case to policymakers in additional states that rail should part of the solution for transportation challenges, can enhance traveler mobility, help communities meet carbon reduction goals, and be an economic engine in station communities.

At Chicago Transit Authority, Mr. James held several positions. Beginning in 2002, as Transit Benefit Coordinator he promoted partnerships with Chicago businesses to increase employees’ transit by capitalizing on Federal tax incentives. As Visitor and Group Marketing Manager, he promoted transit travel to Chicago visitors including partnerships with the Chicago Marathon and hotel concierge association. He managed the campaign launching CTA’s first new rail route in 20 years when the Pink Line was unveiled, including spearheading the agency’s first trilingual radio and print collateral.

Mr. James has also held positions in government affairs at Canadian National Railway and community organizer at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, culminating in a successful campaign to legislate creation of the region’s MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) linking transportation and land use planning.