Passenger Trains > PHL Biz Journal: "Boardman: Out in front when tragedy hits"

Amtrak’s Joe Boardman: Out in front when tragedy hits – a lesson in leadership for all CEOs
Philadelphia Business Journal
May 19, 2015
by Stan Silverman

> The derailment of Amtrak Train 188 on May 12 in Philadelphia was a
> major tragedy, resulting in eight fatalities and over 200 injuries.
> The train was traveling at 106 mph, more than double the speed limit
> for the section of track going into a curve. The investigation
> continues as to why the train was traveling at such a high rate of
> speed.
>
> I was struck by the way Amtrak CEO Joe Boardman was out front and
> center, the public face of Amtrak. In the official online blog of
> Amtrak, he wrote, “With truly heavy hearts, we mourn those who died.
> Their loss leaves holes in the lives of their families and
> communities. On behalf of the entire Amtrak family, I offer our
> sincere sympathies and prayers for them and their loved ones. Amtrak
> takes full responsibility and deeply apologizes for our role in this
> tragic event.”
>
> Boardman went beyond this obligatory public statement. He has been on
> the scene in Philadelphia and has made himself available for
> interviews by the news media. He was one of the speakers at a
> memorial service held on May 18 attended by the first responders and
> government officials at the site of the derailment. In a moving
> speech, Boardman expressed his regret, and extended his condolences
> to the families of those whose lives were lost. Based on the tone and
> the emotional way in which he made his remarks, everyone knew he
> meant it.
>
> In an interview with CNN, he was asked, “[When you] heard the news
> [that the train was traveling at] 106 miles per hour in a 50 mile per
> hour zone, what was your initial feeling?” Boardman stated, “We knew
> … that was too fast.” He was asked, “What do you say to people who
> say if [Positive Train Control] was installed, it could have
> prevented this fatal accident?” Boardman responded, “Had it been
> installed, it would have prevented this accident.” According to
> Boardman, PTC would be installed and operational by year-end. Too
> late to have prevented this tragedy.
>
> Some CEOs choose to remain in the shadows, relying on their public
> relations people to handle an event of this magnitude. Boardman
> demonstrated courage for choosing to be out in front. This is a
> responsibility that cannot be delegated. Boardman showed he cared by
> being open and transparent. People will question for a long time why
> Amtrak had not yet installed Positive Train Control on this section
> of track. What they won’t question is Boardman’s decision to be the
> public face of Amtrak.
>
> Will Boardman’s actions have an impact on the ultimate financial
> payout to the injured and the families of those killed? I will let
> those who have more expertise than me answer that question.
>
> What lessons can the leaders of all organizations learn from
> Boardman? When a tragedy occurs due to your company’s action or
> inaction, its reputation will be damaged. You can help it recover by
> being the public and human face of your company, take responsibility,
> show genuine sympathy for the victims and vow to take steps to ensure
> that a similar incident doesn’t happen again.

http://linkis.com/www.bizjournals.com/Faxqy

oh boy Geeno ... i don't think there's a plate big enough for the can of worms you opened here ...

Posted from Android

Just to note the chairman, Tony Coscia, was on site a day ahead of Mr Boardman. And, expressed similar sentiments to the TV and radio media.

 

Lackawanna484 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just to note the chairman, Tony Coscia, was on site a day ahead of Mr Boardman. And, expressed
> similar sentiments to the TV and radio media.
>
What day(s) were that, for them both?

hazegray Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lackawanna484 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Just to note the chairman, Tony Coscia, was
> on site a day ahead of Mr Boardman. And,
> expressed
> > similar sentiments to the TV and radio media.
> >
> What day(s) were that, for them both?

There's a U tube of Coscia with Nutter on the morning of the 13th, I believe. I believe Boardman arrived a day later.   I mentioned Coscia's presence in a post here last week