Patriot Rail Expands Leadership Team to Strengthen People Strategy and Growth
On January 22, 2026, Patriot Rail Company, renowned for its operations in short line and regional freight railroads, announced a pivotal addition to its leadership team. The company aims to bolster its ongoing growth and refine its leadership framework with the appointment of
Josie Curtis as the new Vice President of People Strategy. This strategic move reflects Patriot Rail's commitment to fostering a strong workplace culture and ensuring that its workforce is well supported in their roles.
With an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, Curtis comes to Patriot Rail with a wealth of experience in human resources. Previously, she held significant leadership positions at R.J. Corman, where she engaged in developing enterprise-wide HR strategies while maintaining compliance and safety standards across a wide scope of operations. Notably, Curtis was responsible for HR oversight for over 1,400 employees, scattered across 23 states, in an industry characterized by stringent regulations and safety demands.
Her background encompasses a broad range of HR functions, including the implementation of comprehensive HR information systems, creation of scalable HR processes, compliance management, and risk mitigation. Curtis has also led cross-functional partnerships to align HR strategies with organizational goals, which has not only improved business performance but also enhanced employee satisfaction and engagement.
Brandy Christian, CEO of Patriot Rail, expressed enthusiasm about Curtis's arrival. Christian stated,
“We are delighted to welcome Josie to our team as our Vice President of People Strategy. She brings industry and organizational development experience to drive our core strategy—the Patriot Way—a culture of collaboration and innovation.” This sentiment echoes the company’s understanding that investing in its people is essential for sustained growth.
Moreover, Brad Gordon, the Chief Legal Officer of Patriot Rail, highlighted Curtis's strategic outlook and her dedication to cultivating engaged and cohesive teams. He remarked,
“Her strategic approach and commitment to building strong, engaged teams will be instrumental as we continue strengthening our people and culture.”
In her new position, Curtis will be tasked with directing Patriot Rail's comprehensive people strategy. Her responsibilities will encompass leadership in talent acquisition and development, employee relations, compliance issues, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, and the overall employee experience. Additionally, she will serve as an invaluable advisor to the executive leadership team, ensuring that HR policies and initiatives bolster workforce effectiveness, foster employee engagement, and align with the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Patriot Rail Company operates a diverse range of rail services with 31 short line railroads and four excursion railroads throughout the United States. The company offers transloading, railcar storage, and logistical planning services, maintaining more than 1,200 miles of operational track in 23 states. For those interested in learning more about Patriot Rail and its services, additional details can be found on their website at
patriotrail.com.
Josie Curtis’s appointment signifies not just an expansion in leadership but a renewed focus on supporting and developing Patriot Rail's workforce. As the company continues to evolve, this strategic addition is sure to play a fundamental role in driving both individual and organizational growth for years to come.