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Management

Henry Lampe
Henry Lampe
President

The railroad’s managers have extensive Class I and regional railroad experience. Under the line’s management structure, department heads report directly to the President. Management programs and controls have and will continue to be implemented to ensure that the company achieves all its objectives, which include the operation of a financially sound railroad focused on customers. This customer focus is designed to increase market share with existing customers and attract new industries to the line, thereby fostering company growth and prosperity.

Henry B. Lampe is President of the South Shore and has more than 33 years of experience in the rail industry, with Burlington Northern & Santa Fe, and its predecessor, Santa Fe Railway. He’s held senior management positions in operations, marketing, equipment management and strategic planning. He has also provided consulting services to the rail industry.

James C. Thompson is Vice President Operations. He began his railroad career with the South Shore as a trainman in 1980. During his career, he was promoted through the ranks of Engineer and Train Dispatcher. In 1994, he was promoted to Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers where he served until accepting the position of Superintendent in 1998. He was promoted to Vice President Operations in October 2004.

Charles T. Compton is Vice President Business Development, with 28 years of sales and marketing experience in the railroad industry. Chuck began his railroad marketing career with the Illinois Central, and has worked for the Columbus & Greenville Railway, The Iowa Interstate Railroad and the Chicago and North Western Transportation Co. prior to joining the South Shore in 1994. His background also includes experience in rates, divisions, interline accounting, billing and contract administration. He recently completed the Certificate in Executive Management program at the University of Notre Dame.

Joseph J. Bergthold is Manager of Marketing and has more than 42 years of marketing experience in the railroad industry, including experience in the areas of rates, divisions, sales, contract administration, and interline accounting. Joe began his marketing career with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad and worked for the Elgin, Joliet & Eatern Railway for 22 years before joining the South Shore in April 1998.

Andrew R. Laurent is Manager of Growth Initiatives. He joined the South Shore in 2008 after working for six years as a Project Manager for the City of South Bend Economic Development Division where he gained experience in real estate and development. He graduated from Ball State University in 2000 with Bachelor degrees in city planning and environmental design. He is responsible for growing and diversifying our traffic and customer base.

Lance E. Werner, CPA, is Controller/Treasurer. He has an extensive accounting background and prior to joining South Shore, was Controller for a large truck parts remanufacturer-distributor. There he was responsible for implementing many new procedures resulting in a more efficient accounting department. Lance received a B.S. with distinction in Accounting from Purdue University in 1990. He recently completed the Certificate in Executive Management program at the University of Notre Dame. Lance was recently named Vice Chairman of the Indiana Railroad Transportation Group.

Linda E. Hock is Manager of General Accounting and brings more than 25 years of accounting experience to the South Shore. Linda received her B.S. in Accounting from Purdue University in 1992, and has a full range of accounting and computer experience. Prior to joining the South Shore in 1995, Linda was an internal auditor for a major electrical supplier.

Dennis Eldridge is Manager Train Operations with ten years of transportation experience. He has held previous positions including brakeman, conductor, and trainmaster. He is responsible for overseeing and managing day to day operations. Dennis is pursuing a business degree from Purdue North Central.

Gary J. Lied is Chief Mechanical Officer. Gary began his career with the Chicago North Western Railroad working various management positions in the mechanical department. Gary spent ten years with National Railway Equipment working with senior management to produce remanufactured locomotives. He comes to us from the CIT Group, where he was Superintendent of their locomotive lease fleet. Gary has more than 27 years of experience in his field.

Paul A. Lyles is Manager of Customer Service and Technology and has been with the South Shore for 30 years. Paul graduated from Purdue University with an A.S. in Computer Technology, and a B.S. in Supervision. Beginning his career here as a Trainman in 1975, Paul became a Conductor in 1976, where he served until promotion to his current position in 1984.



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