Rail Passengers Thanks Amtrak’s Harris for His Tenure

For Immediate Release (26-05)
May 19, 2026
Contact: Joe Aiello ([email protected])

Rail Passengers Association Thanks Amtrak CEO Roger Harris for His Tenure As He Announces His Exit

Washington, D.C.—Amtrak announced late this afternoon that Chief Executive Officer Roger Harris will depart Amtrak on July 31, at which point Byl Herrmann will lead the company as Interim President while the Board conducts a search for a permanent CEO.

“On behalf of our members, I want to extend our thanks to Roger for his work on behalf of America’s passengers,” said Jim Mathews, President and CEO of Rail Passengers. “Roger’s seven years with Amtrak have included some of the most critical points in the railroad’s history—from ridership records to an almost-total shutdown of the network during the pandemic, back to new ridership records. We wish him well in his next chapter.”

Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia highlighted Herrmann’s impressive reserve of experience with the railroad, emphasizing he’ll oversee a smooth transition as the railroad looks conducts a search for his replacement.

“Byl Herrmann is a natural fit to lead Amtrak for what’s directly ahead of us,” wrote Coscia. “Byl is a 27-year veteran of Amtrak, with a deep knowledge of Law, HR, Labor and our business lines. As Interim President, Byl will work closely with the Board and executive leadership team to maintain continuity, support our workforce, and keep our focus on safe, reliable service, and delivering on our commitments to customers, partners, and the communities we serve.”

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About Rail Passengers Association: with 127,000 members, donors, and supporters, the non-profit Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization serving as a voice for the more than 40 million rail passengers in the U.S. Our mission is to improve and expand conventional intercity and regional passenger train services, support higher speed rail initiatives, increase connectivity among all forms of transportation, and ensure safety for our country's trains and passengers. All of this makes communities safer, more accessible, and more productive, improving the lives of everyone who lives, works, and plays in towns all across America.