The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad named Justin R. Vonashek as the agency’s new VP, system safety. The position will oversee all efforts to ensure the safety of its customers and employees as the railroad continues to improve work practices and invest in new technology and equipment.

Vonashek will report to Metro-North President Joseph Giulietti and work closely with MTA Chief Safety Officer David Mayer and MTA Sr. Advisor, Corporate Safety Initiatives, Anne Kirsch.

Before joining Metro-North, Vonashek was the chief safety, security, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance officer, at MBTA Commuter Rail in Boston. Aside from developing and monitoring safety goals for the organization, he was also responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration and Environmental Protection Agency regulatory requirements.

Vonashek began his career at Metra in Chicago, in 2005, as a transportation specialist, where he was responsible for over 200 train and engine service employees to ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains. He received various promotions while at Metra, eventually serving as director, regulatory compliance from September 2011 until February 2014.

“I look forward to collaborating with Metro-North’s team of men and women who have the institutional knowledge to drive change when it comes to safe and efficient operations,” said Vonashek. “It will be exciting to help advance the next generation of safety technology that Metro-North has already begun.”

Vonashek will begin at Metro-North on Jan. 4, 2016.