Consumers United for Rail Equity Names Transportation Advocate Ann Warner To Serve As Interim Executive Director
Alexandria, VA – Consumers United for Rail Equity (CURE) today announced that transportation advocate Ann Warner will serve as interim executive director during the restructuring of the coalition of freight rail shippers.
The announcement was made by CURE President David Sauer (chief operating officer and senior vice president of Dakota Gasification Company) and Immediate Past President Steve Sharp (Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, retired).
CURE represents freight rail shippers of various commodities, and trade associations that represent industry sectors that are heavily dependent on the freight rail network to deliver commodities and products.
Warner will be responsible for implementing CURE’s new strategic plan and advocating on behalf of the coalition on Capitol Hill.
Warner, Managing Partner of Ann Warner LLC of Alexandria, VA, has three decades of experience in advocating for transportation and infrastructure projects and programs on behalf of an array of corporate and association clients.
In 2014, CURE retained Warner to review the mission and structure of the 31-year-old coalition. Based on Warner’s recommendations, CURE’s membership approved a restructuring plan in December that will expand CURE’s membership to increase participation by freight rail shippers in a host of industries, including agriculture, energy and alternative fuels, chemicals, and aggregates. CURE is developing new governance to reflect its expanded role and will be changing its name to better reflect the diverse membership and mission.
CURE also approved a legislative and media advocacy campaign to obtain changes in federal law and policy that would provide all shippers with reliable rail service at competitive prices. Among its priorities in the 114th Congress, the revamped CURE will push for passage of legislation reauthorizing the Surface Transportation Board similar to S. 2777, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2014, which unanimously passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in September.
“During her top-to-bottom review of CURE last fall, Ann demonstrated her ability to reconcile diverse opinions and achieve consensus,” said Sharp, who worked closely with Warner on the review. “I was also impressed by her knowledge of the legislative process and familiarity with the key congressional players on transportation issues.”
“I, and our entire organization, look forward to working with Ann during this rebuilding and expansion period for CURE.” said Sauer.
Prior to forming her government relations consultancy in 2013, Warner served as vice president and government affairs director for Arcadis U.S., Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of an international company providing architectural and engineering services in the fields of infrastructure, water, environment and buildings. She earlier served as vice president and manager of government programs for Bechtel Infrastructure Corp. Earlier in her career, Warner was vice president of government relations for Airports Council International-North America and served in similar roles for several other trade associations.
ABOUT CURE
CURE is a coalition representing freight rail shippers. CURE is working to educate the public on the impacts to consumers from railroad practices through a growing coalition of industries and associations.
###
