Amtrak's board of directors unanimously agreed to name Thomas Carper as its chairman.
Carper, who has served in various Illinois state and local government positions, including Mayor of the city of Macomb, has been a director on the Amtrak board since March 2008. At the same meeting, former Chairwoman Donna McLean was named vice chairwoman, replacing Hunter Biden, who remains as a board member.
"Everything we have done as a board, we've done as a unified body, and this change in our hierarchy is no exception. That this was a unanimous and non-contentious decision is testimony to that fact,” Carper said. “I look forward to tackling the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Amtrak is ready to play a growing role in strengthening our transportation system and our economy."