R. J. Corman: President Raymond Goss to Retire in 2026

Raymond Goss, a veteran railroader with five decades of industry experience, has announced his retirement as President of R. J. Corman Railroad Co., effective January 30, 2026. His seven-year tenure at the helm was marked by significant network expansion and transformative infrastructure modernization across the company’s short line and switching operations.

Main Body:

R. J. Corman Railroad Co. confirmed the planned retirement of its President, Raymond Goss, setting the stage for a leadership transition at one of North America’s most prominent short line operators. Goss will officially step down on January 30, 2026, concluding a distinguished career that has spanned 50 years. Before taking the leadership role at R. J. Corman, he honed his expertise in operational and executive positions at Class I railroads Canadian Pacific and Amtrak, as well as the largest short line holding company, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., bringing a wealth of diverse experience to his final post.

Under Goss’s leadership, R. J. Corman aggressively pursued a strategy of growth and modernization. The company’s portfolio expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions, including the addition of the Childersburg Line, Raleigh & Fayetteville Railroad, and the Knoxville & Cumberland Gap Railroad. A major transaction also brought the Owego & Harford Railway, Lehigh Railway, and Luzerne & Susquehanna Railway into the Corman network. Beyond expansion, Goss championed critical infrastructure improvements, successfully securing federal grant funding to rehabilitate hundreds of miles of track, upgrade vital bridges, and modernize grade crossings to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

The announcement of Goss’s long-term retirement plan comes amid a period of notable leadership changes across other capital-intensive industries. In a parallel development, the aerospace sector saw Tory Bruno resign as CEO of United Launch Alliance after a 12-year tenure. Similarly, the resource sector is preparing for a transition at Battery Age Minerals, with its CEO scheduled to step down in March 2026. These concurrent executive moves highlight a broader trend of succession planning and leadership evolution within established industrial and technology-driven companies.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy of Growth: Raymond Goss’s tenure is defined by the strategic acquisition of six railroads, significantly expanding R. J. Corman’s operational footprint.
• Infrastructure Modernization: His leadership was instrumental in securing federal grants for crucial upgrades to track, bridges, and crossings, enhancing the network’s safety and capacity.
• Orderly Transition: The advance announcement of his 2026 retirement date provides R. J. Corman with a substantial runway for a smooth succession planning process.

Editor’s Analysis

Raymond Goss’s retirement marks a significant moment for the North American short line and regional railroad sector. His leadership at R. J. Corman exemplified a successful model of growth through both acquisition and organic investment in infrastructure. This dual approach is critical for short lines, which serve as the indispensable “first and last mile” for Class I railroads and local industries. The key challenge for his successor will be to maintain this momentum in a dynamic market, balancing further expansion opportunities with the ongoing need for capital investment to keep the existing network competitive, safe, and efficient. This transition will be closely watched by the industry as a bellwether for the future strategic direction of major short line holding companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Raymond Goss?
Raymond Goss is the President of R. J. Corman Railroad Co., a position he has held for seven years. He is a 50-year veteran of the rail industry with previous leadership experience at Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Amtrak, and Canadian Pacific.

When will Raymond Goss retire?
He will officially retire from his position on January 30, 2026.

What were some of Raymond Goss’s key achievements at R. J. Corman?
His leadership was marked by significant network expansion through the acquisition of multiple railroads and securing federal grants for major infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of hundreds of miles of track and bridge upgrades.