GVT Rail continues march towards the future, hiring two & promoting two
BATAVIA, NY – For 30 years, the GVT team has taken pride in striking a balance between “friendly, customized service” to our customers of today while keeping an eye on the rail industry’s future. With that in mind, GVT is proud to announce managerial changes as the company looks to 2050 and beyond.
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & PLANNING – C. D. MONTE VERDE
C. D. (Charlie) Monte Verde returns to GVT Rail following nearly a decade with Amtrak in Chicago, America’s rail capital. At Amtrak, Charlie built strategic coalitions of heartland community stakeholders to advocate for improved or additional passenger rail service. His job functions included business development with the five Midwest states that have contractual agreements with Amtrak for short-distance passenger rail. He led the effort to bring the State of Indiana in as Amtrak’s 19th and most recent state partner, doing so in an environment not previously conducive to public investment in rail.
His most recent efforts were in the Long-Distance Service Line, where he was an integral part of the team with oversight and financial responsibility for Amtrak’s 15 overnight/high-mileage routes. Throughout his time at Amtrak, Charlie took great pride in balancing financial accountability with a pledge to provide unwavering customer service.
In Chicago, Charlie was in chair positions with Toastmasters and Young Professionals in Transportation. He’s a member of the Western Railway Club and is a Rotarian. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from State University of New York, Empire State College. He and wife Leeann are taking residence in Buffalo, where they will take an active role in the renaissance of the community where GVT first began operations. A second-generation railroader, Charlie’s previous term with GVT was highlighted by his time in the track department and his management of the weed and brush control program.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT – AMBER WILLIAMS
Amber Williams comes to GVT Rail after eight years serving and growing both the tourism and freight customer bases at the Arcade & Attica Railroad. As Manager of the A&A, Amber’s been responsible for numerous essential functions, including but not limited to day-to-day operations, human resources, and preparation of daily and monthly customer reports.
She is an active member of her community and serves on the Wyoming County Chamber of Tourism Board of Directors. In her free time, Amber enjoys spending her time alongside her boyfriend and two daughters and can often be found chasing her dog around the yard.
DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION – DAN FINUCANE
Dan Finucane joined GVT Rail in 2015 as Manager of Rules & Regulatory Compliance. He previously spent 12 years with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad in various roles in Transportation, Safety and Customer Service. In his new position, Dan is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and safety of all GVT railroads.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration focused in Business, Management and Economics from the State University of New York Empire State College. Dan enjoys spending time with his wife Sheryl and two daughters Clara and Lilia and coaching high school basketball. Dan holds dual citizenship in the USA and Ireland.
SYSTEM MANAGER OF RULES – PETER NICHOLAS
Pete started his railroad career with Conrail in the late 1990s, then left to join the Norfolk Southern. In August 1999, he left NS to join the GVT team on the Delaware-Lackawanna in Scranton, PA.
Pete worked as a DL Conductor and Engineer until 2006 when he was promoted to the position of DL Trainmaster. As DL Trainmaster, he managed all aspects of the DL operations including staffing, training, investigations and discipline. Pete has served on the NORAC committee since 2012 and has been very influential in rule-making decisions throughout NORAC. In his new position, Pete is responsible for system rules training and regulatory compliance.
ABOUT GVT RAIL
Genesee Valley Transportation Co., Inc. (GVT Rail) is a privately-owned shortline and regional rail corporation based out of Batavia, NY. Founded in 1985, GVT Rail has grown from a five-mile spur in greater Buffalo, NY, to a 318-mile network of five subsidiary railroads in two states. Over three-and-a-half decades, we’ve set an imprint as an industry-recognized leader in business development and “friendly, customized service.” Be it restoring service to an existing industry or establishing truck-train transloading services, the GVT Rail team is always on the lookout for new opportunities to contribute to the economic renaissance of the communities and regions that we serve.
