Assistant Superintendent-Transportation Chris Gorski is tackling a familiar role.

During his 34-year career, Gorski has also worked as a switchman, yardmaster and terminal manager, along with being a superintendent for the Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO).

Speaking about the latter role in downtown Chicago, Gorski said, “I missed the people here at the clearing yard. It’s an outstanding group of employees who go above and beyond.”

Gorski credits former Belt General Manager Mike Paras for teaching him how to safely operate a scheduled railroad and will use those skills, among others, to oversee daily operations, which include coordinating with his Engineering and Mechanical counterparts and managers at other railroads. 

Gorski says he appreciates the opportunity to help develop new managers who he called “the future of the Belt.” They include Trainmasters Jeremy Dryier, Steve Halfman, Cory McHugh and David Thamm, and Terminal Managers Matt Roberts and Josh Williams. All are internal promotions. 

“They stood out by showing their drive and responsibility,” Gorski said. “They all came from different backgrounds. It’s a well-rounded team.”

As a mentor, Gorski says he’ll share the values and attributes that guide him, including consistency, fairness and planning.