The Amtrak board of directors elected Anthony R. Coscia to be its next chairman to help guide the future of “America’s Railroad” and carry out initiatives to increase ridership and improve operational and financial performance. Additionally, the Amtrak board elected Jeffrey R. Moreland as vice-chairman.

An Amtrak board member since June 2010, and current chairman of its audit and finance committee, Coscia succeeds departing board chairman Thomas C. Carper whose term on the board expires this month.

Since joining Amtrak’s board, Coscia has strongly supported investments in America’s national rail network. In particular, he is a strong advocate for making improvements to rail corridors that link the nation’s urban centers, such as the Northeast Corridor, and that connect parts of the country underserved by other modes of transit. He also supports investments in rail infrastructure so it can handle more trains and carry more passengers at higher speeds.

Coscia brings to the position an extensive background, including previously serving as chairman of the board of commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and experience in redevelopment finance and corporate governance. Currently, he is a partner at the law firm of Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLP.

Moreland also has been an Amtrak board member since June 2010 and is the chairman of its Government Affairs and Legal & Corporate Affairs committee. He succeeds Nancy Naples as vice-chairman. He enjoyed a long career at BNSF Railway including several senior management positions in law and government affairs, and most recently as executive VP, public affairs.