OmniTRAX & Bohr: New Leaders Emerge Amid Rail Industry Shift

The North American rail sector is undergoing a significant leadership refresh, with OmniTRAX appointing a BNSF veteran as its new legal chief and Bohr Electronics promoting a key manager to lead its engineering division. These moves signal a strategic focus on legal expertise and product integration as companies navigate a dynamic and evolving industry landscape.

DENVER, CO – The Broe Group has announced the appointment of Tammy Middleton as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for its rail and real estate affiliates, OmniTRAX Inc. and Broe Real Estate Group. Middleton, who will assume her new role on January 19, brings nearly 15 years of Class I railroad experience from her most recent position as Associate General Counsel at BNSF Railway. OmniTRAX CEO Colby Tanner praised the appointment, stating, “Given the dynamic state of the rail industry, Tammy’s extensive legal knowledge is perfectly suited to counsel our continued rail and real estate growth.”

In a parallel move within the rail supply chain, Bohr Electronics has promoted Dillon Steen to the position of Engineering Manager. Steen is tasked with leading the company’s engineering operations and spearheading product development initiatives. Since joining Bohr in January 2022, he has held multiple strategic roles and was instrumental in the successful integration of Central Railway Manufacturing’s product line following its acquisition by Bohr in March 2024. His new responsibilities will involve close collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and customer support teams to enhance Bohr’s product offerings.

These appointments are indicative of a broader trend across the freight railroad industry, where a new generation of specialized leaders is taking the helm. Recent analysis from legal industry observers has noted a “crew change” in the legal departments of major rail companies, with firms like Anacostia Rail Holdings also recently appointing new legal chiefs. This industry-wide shift highlights a growing emphasis on navigating complex regulatory environments, managing strategic acquisitions, and embedding deep institutional knowledge to drive future growth and innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Top-Tier Legal Talent Moves to Short Line Sector: Tammy Middleton’s move from Class I giant BNSF to OmniTRAX underscores the increasing legal and regulatory complexity faced by short line and regional railroads.
• Engineering Leadership Focused on Integration: Bohr Electronics’ promotion of Dillon Steen highlights the critical importance of successfully integrating acquired technologies and product lines to maintain a competitive edge in the supplier market.
• Industry-Wide Leadership Renewal: These appointments are part of a larger pattern of leadership changes in the North American freight rail sector, signaling a strategic refresh in key corporate functions.

Editor’s Analysis

The simultaneous announcements from OmniTRAX and Bohr Electronics, while distinct, paint a clear picture of a rail industry in strategic transition. Middleton’s appointment is particularly noteworthy; attracting a 15-year veteran from a Class I railroad to a short line holding company like OmniTRAX demonstrates the maturation and rising influence of the short line sector. It reflects the need for sophisticated legal counsel to manage everything from real estate development to complex freight agreements. Meanwhile, Steen’s promotion at Bohr is a microcosm of the supply chain’s focus on M&A synergy. As technology suppliers consolidate, the ability to seamlessly integrate new product lines into existing engineering and quality systems, as Steen did, becomes a core driver of value and a critical leadership skill. Together, these moves show an industry investing heavily in specialized human capital to manage growth and complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new Chief Legal Officer for OmniTRAX?
Tammy Middleton has been named the new Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for OmniTRAX and its affiliate, Broe Real Estate Group. She previously spent nearly 15 years at BNSF Railway, most recently as Associate General Counsel.

What will Dillon Steen’s new role at Bohr Electronics entail?
As Engineering Manager, Dillon Steen will lead engineering operations, guide product development, and collaborate across manufacturing, quality, and customer support teams. He was recognized for his pivotal role in integrating the Central Railway Manufacturing acquisition.

Are these appointments part of a larger trend in the rail industry?
Yes, these leadership changes reflect a broader trend of executive renewal within the freight railroad sector. Industry analysis points to a “new generation of legal leaders” and a strategic focus on integrating acquisitions, suggesting companies are bolstering their leadership teams to navigate future challenges and growth opportunities.