People on the move: Amtrak, county of Maui Department of Transportation, IndyGo

New appointments and changes in leadership have been made by Amtrak, the County of Maui Department of Transportation and the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo). 

Amtrak 

Byl Herrmann has been named executive vice president and general counsel for Amtrak. He will be responsible for setting the long-term strategic vision, priorities and annual operating plan for the department within the context of Amtrak’s strategic and corporate plans and objectives.   

“Byl has helped guide the evolution of Amtrak’s law department and corporate development over many decades and brings a comprehensive and deep knowledge of all facets of the company,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “He’s the right person to help lead the company forward as we build a new era of rail in the United States, building upon the strong legacy set by his predecessor, Eldie Acheson.”  

Herrmann joined Amtrak’s Law Department in 1999 and, for the past 25 years, has excelled in a wide range of roles in the department with progressing levels of responsibility, including a year as vice president of human resources. In his most current role as vice president and senior managing deputy general counsel and assistant corporate secretary, Herrmann has managed or closely overseen litigation, corporate transactions, legal compliance and the corporate secretary’s office.   

Herrmann will succeed Eldie Acheson, Amtrak’s general counsel, chief legal officer and corporate secretary since 2007, effective Oct. 1. Acheson will remain with Amtrak through January 2025 in her corporate secretary and ethics officer roles. Herrmann will assume both roles in February 2025. 

County of Maui Department of Transportation 

Diane Yogi, who has worked for the County of Maui Department of Transportation since its establishment in 2003, has been appointed as the department’s deputy director. Her start date was Sept. 3. 

“With her knowledge, skills and experience, Diane will continue serving the county well in her new role in this growing department,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “During her more than two decades of service in the Department of Transportation, she has demonstrated a willingness to take on challenges and successfully handle a multitude of responsibilities.” 

IndyGo  

IndyGo has appointed Carrie Black as its new chief public affairs officer. Black previously served as the agency’s director of communications for the last three years. She has a combined 30 years experience as a broadcast journalist, communications and public relations professional. Black is a four-time Emmy award-winning TV news reporter and has worked as a reporter/anchor in Missouri, West Virginia and Indianapolis (WTHR-TV).  

As IndyGo’s chief public affairs officer, Black will lead the agency’s strategic communications, marketing and outreach programs, with a focus on education, awareness, engagement and advocacy surrounding the agency’s key initiatives through a variety of innovative tactics.  

“Carrie is the right leader at the right time,” said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “As we prepare to launch the Purple Line, break ground on the Blue Line and celebrate our 50th anniversary, Carrie has the vision, creativity and tenacity to amplify the IndyGo brand to increase ridership, revenue and support.” After hanging up the microphone from her TV news days, Black took her storytelling and media expertise to Indianapolis Public Schools, where she managed media relations, crisis communications and internal/external messaging for one of Indiana’s largest school districts.  

In 2021, Black brought her strategic and multi-pronged communications approach to IndyGo as the director of communications, where she’s been leading the agency’s media relations, social media, video production, marketing, website content and internal/external communications efforts since arriving.   

Black received her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a national women’s organization committed to public service, education and political awareness.   

Black is an avid fitness and nutrition enthusiast and enjoys taking in Indy’s world-class sports and entertainment events with her husband and their daughter, who’s a senior in college.