Amtrak named Armando Silva chief, operations research and planning, effective immediately. He reports directly to DJ Stadtler, VP, operations, and is based in Washington, D.C.

As chief, Silva leads a team responsible for the development of Amtrak schedules, fleet plans, terminal operating plans and operations processes. In collaboration with operations managers, he will analyze problems, develop and implement solutions and track performance.

Working with the business lines, he is to create more efficient operating plans that maximize the productivity of assets and minimize costs and streamline and improve operations at terminals, stations, yards and facilities. Customer safety and satisfaction will be key missions.

Silva has 30 years of experience in the transportation industry with a concentration in aviation. He previously worked at American Airlines where he served in a number of roles, including managing director, operations research and decision support; VP, Sabre Decision Technologies/Sabre Technology Solutions, Sabre Inc.; senior director/director, decision technologies, in Paris; and senior consultant/director decision technologies.