WASHINGTON – Amtrak has announced the appointment of James F. McDonnell III as Chief Risk Officer for the railroad.
McDonnell comes to Amtrak with more than 30 years of national and international security and counterterrorism experience including senior management and advisory positions in government and the private sector. Since 2005, McDonnell has served as president of the McDonnell Consulting Group, LLC, providing terrorism-related risk management, crisis management, and infrastructure protection solutions for large firms and government agencies.
Immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, McDonnell accepted an executive appointment at the Department of energy where he led the Office of Energy Assurance. When the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was announced, he moved to the White House Homeland Security Transition Planning Office where he was responsible for developing the plans, budgets and policies required to transfer operations from six federal agencies into DHS. Following the creation of DHS, McDonnell served as Director of the Protective Security Division of DHS and was a key leader in the management of all national responses to threats, incidents, and national disasters.
“We welcome the breadth of knowledge and experience that Jim brings to Amtrak,” said Alexander Kummant, Amtrak President & CEO. “His expertise in national security and counterterrorism and emergency preparedness will be vital to enhancing the safety of our passengers and employees.”
In his new role, McDonnell will be responsible for all security matters involving risks to Amtrak passengers, trains, stations, and facilities across the country. He will lead the railroad’s extensive liaison with federal, state and local public safety agencies.
McDonnell holds a Bachelor’s degree from Regents College at the University of the State of New York and a Master’s degree from Georgetown University. He also completed the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University.
