TranSystems announced the promotion of William Schafer from associate to senior associate.
Schafer has 41 years of experience in railroad planning, engineering and construction for freight and passenger main line and terminal facilities as well as commuter and light rail systems. He leads some of TranSystems’ largest and most difficult projects, including the 47th Street NS Yard – a major operation to double their capacity – and the CTA Dan Ryan Red Line reconstruction, which was awarded the Illinois chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies’ Eminent Conceptor Award for Best Engineering Project in Illinois.
Schafer’s promotion was part of an annual process determined by the firm’s Partner Performance and Development Committee (PPDC) – a committee that was formed in 2003 to refine TranSystems’ leadership development standards by identifying a process for selecting the company’s future leaders.
As a nominee for senior associate, Schafer was ranked on three measures of performance 1.) client relationships and sales, 2.) management and operations, and 3.) specialized skills or subject matter expertise.
“Bill is a proven leader in Chicago and across the company,” said Chuck Stenzel, PE, principal in the Chicago office. “He has been integral to increasing sales and enhancing our services to our clients in the Chicago area. We are proud of the work he has accomplished.”
Schafer has extensive experience in integrating railroad operating requirements into facilities planning and design.
“TranSystems is recognized as the leading provider of services to the railroad industry, a position achieved by many years of diligent work and maintaining client satisfaction,” said Schafer. “The opportunity to further my leadership in this organization is rewarding. I am honored to serve in the Senior Associate position.”
Schafer earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He is a member of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
