The Belt welcomed Assistant Superintendent Micheal Chand May 1.

The veteran railroader worked 28 years with Norfolk Southern, starting in nearby Calumet Yard as a conductor. Chand served 14 years a locomotive engineer and seven years as a trainmaster. His final role for Norfolk Southern was senior terminal manager, which he performed for five years. 

Chand credited former Belt President Michael Grace, who also worked for Norfolk Southern, as a positive influence. He said Grace asked craft professionals their opinion on operations and treasured their feedback, something he’s done as a leader. 

Chand believes his extensive field experience helps him relate to craft professionals. He said he intends to engage employees in the field. 

“I want to be seen out there and have it be a good experience,” he said. “Communication is the key to safety, and part of that is leading by example and getting out in front of the team.”

As a locomotive engineer, Chand made sure to repeat back instructions from yardmasters, trainmasters or conductors. He said simple best practices such as this are essential for safety. 

The Belt’s tight-knit community appealed to Chand, who said it’s on full display in the Command Center, which he called the heartbeat of the railroad. With every department nearby, silos don’t develop, and issues can be addressed in a cross-functional manner quickly.

“Everyone is right there, face to face,” he said. 

Chand, working with Maintenance of Way, led an effort to help reduce run-through switches. The team changed the targets atop switches for crossover movements. The new visual controls are more demonstrative, and the feedback has been largely positive. 

Chand and his wife, Cheryl, have adult sons, Michael Jr. and Noah. Their granddaughter, Elsie, 2, is the light of their life.

“It’s great to see joy when a grandchild looks in your eyes,” he said. “I love it and spend every moment I can with her. Being a grandfather is the best thing ever.”