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<span style = color:#e0873d;><center><b>The OnTrackNorthAmerica</b></br>
<center>[[File:OTNA_Logo_planning.png|center|frameless|654x654px]]</center>
<b>Promise, Principles, Ethics, and Sustainability Commitment</b></br></center></span>
<h1> About OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA) </h1>
[[File:Michaelsussman.jpg|thumb|alt=Michael Sussman|Michael Sussman]]
'''OTNA''' was founded by '''Michael Sussman''' in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching [https://strategicrail.com Strategic Rail Finance], a trusted advisory firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.


<span style=color:#477F97;><u><h3><b>Promise Statement and Your Invitation to the Team</u></h3></b></span>
OnTrackNorthAmerica promises to co-lead society in redesigning its industrial systems to support sustainable life for all. You are invited to the team.</br>


<span style=color:#477F97;><u><h3><b>Principles for Collaboration</b></h3></u></span>


<b>Lead from Community</b>
At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.</br></br>
When co-leadership with the community is working, leaders do what it takes to be trusted to advance the greatest good. Initiatives succeed when strong leadership stands for results and represents the community’s best interests.</br>
<b>OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, </b><b>analyses</b><b>, and paradigms support</b><b>ing</b><b> these </b><b>values</b><b>.  </b>
* In 2023, OTNA led a four-county stakeholder process in New Mexico in the aftermath of a 350,000-acre forest fire resulting in the [[New Mexico Sustainable Forestry Business Plan|New Mexico Forestry Business Plan]].
* In 2021, OTNA convened hundreds of transportation stakeholders to create [[Nevada’s 2021 State Rail Plan]], a new whole-systems paradigm for statewide rail-enabled economic development.
* On December 11, 2008, OTNA [[:File:Resolution-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|gathered industry and government leaders in the U.S. Capitol Building]] to set a new collaborative framework for freight rail transportation efficiency.
* On December 8, 1998, OTNA convened [[:File:1998-Invitation-US-Congressional-Briefing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|a rail transportation educational event in the U.S. Capitol Building]] for 55 congressional staff.  


<b>Assume Responsibility</b></br>
We are called to be responsible for the quality of our relationships. We focus on sharing the best in ourselves while recognizing the perspectives and strengths of others.<b> </b>In each conversation, we relate in ways that advance mutual learning and progress.</br></br>


<b>Thrive at Our Learning Edge</b></br>
<b>OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia </b><!-- This Paragraph doesn't have corresponding links -->
</b>Producing the results we stand for requires us to work at our learning edge. Change outside requires some change inside. What we are doing is unprecedented, and we’re constantly being trained. Bring it on! </br></br>


<b>Engage in Integrative Dialogue</b></br>
* Dr. Barbara Gray, founder of Penn State University’s Center for Research in Conflict and Negotiation, has contributed significantly to OTNA’s work.
Integrative dialogue transcends conventional debate, where either/or and right/wrong interactions marginalize many valuable perspectives. Especially when seemingly opposing points of view are expressed, we work together to synergize new understandings. </br>
* The University of Tennessee’s [https://isse.utk.edu/ Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment] provided research assistance for OTNA’s Land Freight Lifecycle Impact Calculator.
* Philadelphia’s Temple University hosted Michael’s talk, [[How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World|“How Collaboration, Trust, and Railroads Will Save the World,”]] on December 5th, 2023.
* The Transportation Research Forum honored Michael with its 2024 annual [https://trforum.org/presidents-award/ President’s Award].
* Michael serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the six-university consortium, [https://fersc.utk.edu/ Center for Freight Transportation and Efficient & Resilient Supply Chains]  


<b>Articulate Questions</b></br>
Writing and speaking in questions spark new thinking and ideas, while statements tend to express concerns as if they are intractable. Asking questions has the power to lead to results.</br>


<b>Gather all Perspectives</b></br>
<b>He has contributed </b><b>to </b><b>improving public policy by meeting with s</b><b>taff or leaders of 6</b><b>9</b> <b>U.S. Senate and 1</b><b>9</b><b>5</b><b> U.S. House offices</b><b>. </b>
It’s commonly believed that including all stakeholders makes progress more challenging. In fact, inviting all experiences, concerns, and ideas leads to imaginative, intelligent, elegant results. When it comes to collective intelligence, more is truly the merrier.</br>


<b>Celebrate and Energize</b></br>
* In March of 2011, Michael was the only private sector invitee to a [:File:2011-Invitation-US-Congress-Rail-Workshop-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf U.S. House Railroad Subcommittee Staff Workshop] to explore ways to improve the FRA RRIF loan program.
Leaning into positivity is vitally important to any concerted effort. We value each other’s participation and communicate our appreciation. </br>
* On February 17, 2011, [[:File:2011-Testimony-US-Congressional-Hearing-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Railroad Subcommittee]] on reforms to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.
* On October 19, 2005, [[:File:2005-Testimony-Surface-Transportation-Board-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|he spoke before the Surface Transportation Board]] on the 25th anniversary of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.


<b>Be Accountable</b></br>
</b>There is power in clarity. When we make a promise, include a completion time. Then, complete it on time or give a heads-up to the team and commit to a new time. When we first make an agreement, we may face barriers to accomplishing the new task. These challenges are a function of our commitment, not our lack of commitment. Stay in the game.</br>


<b>Embrace Knowledge Sharing </b></br>
<b>Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:</b>
Share rather than withhold information, ideas, and wisdom to create a world that works for all. Sharing accelerates productivity. It is time to scale up our collective intelligence.</br>


<b>Step into IntelliSynthesis<SUP>®</SUP></b></br>
* Thank you letters from [[:File:Thank-You-Letter-US-Rep-Wolf-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Republican House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf]] and [https://work.ontracknorthamerica.org/images/3/3e/Thank-You-Letter-US-Sen-Rockefeller-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller’s Chief of Staff].
IntelliSynthesis® is the logic and intelligence all around us but so often hidden from view by posturing, positioning, and politicizing. When we engage with others in the community’s best interest, collective intelligence naturally moves us toward solutions that work for everyone.</br>
* In 2003, he contributed to Washington State produce shippers by designing and writing important elements of the [[:File:2003-Reference-Letter-2-WSDOT-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Washington State Produce Railcar Pool Act]] as passed by the 2003 state legislature.
* In 1999, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to eliminate audited financial statement requirements for Class II and III railroads from the [[:File:OMB-Caused-the-Delay-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing Act (RRIF loan program)]].
* In November of 1997 he was responsible for making freight rail projects eligible in [[:File:OnTrackNorthAmerica-105v106.pdf|H.R.115 – the National Infrastructure Development Act]].


<span style=color:#477F97;><u><h3><b>Code of Ethics</u></h3></b></span>


<b>Objectivity</b></br>
<b>Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:</b>
OnTrackNorthAmerica does not accept financial sponsorships that require prioritization of individual business agendas over shared interests.</br>


<b>Inclusivity</b></br>
* [[:File:December_2014_Railway_Age_Perspective.pdf|Railway Age, December 2014, “Revitalizing Direct Rail Service”]]
OnTrackNorthAmerica invites representation from all involved stakeholder groups and facilitates “level playing field” dialogues wherein all participants’ perspectives are appreciated. Inclusivity is fundamental to our planning approach, and we welcome all regions and projects of any size.</br>
* [[:File:A-RRIF-Centered-Capitalization-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Railway Age, April 2011, “A RRIF-Centered Capitalization Growth Strategy”]]
* [[:File:Leveraging-Capital-for-the-Entire-Industry-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Railway Age, September 2008, “Leveraging Capital for the Entire Industry”]]
* [[:File:Regional-and-Short-Line-RRs-in-the-US-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Transportation Quarterly, Fall 2002, “Regional and Short Line Railroads in the United States”]]
* [[:File:Assessing-the-Process-of-Creating-the-RRIF-Program-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Association of Transportation Law, Logistics & Policy, Fall 2000, “Assessing the Process of Creating the RRIF Program”]]
* [[:File:Getting-a-Lenders-Attention-OnTrackNorthAmerica.pdf|Progressive Railroading, June 1998, “Getting a Lender’s Attention”]]
==== <i><b><u>Board of Trustees</u></b></i> ====
<big>''Michael Sussman''</big>


<b>Nonpartisanship</b></br>
Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance</br>
OnTrackNorthAmerica maintains the autonomy of a politically non-partisan entity.</br>


<b>Coordination and Collaboration</b></br>
<big>''Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani''</big>
OnTrackNorthAmerica advances the thoughtful integration of collaboration with helpful competition.</br>


<b>Whole System Attention</b></br>
Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)</br>
OnTrackNorthAmerica embraces programs, policies, and planning that advance system-wide benefits.</br>


<b>Multimodalism</b></br>
<big>''Daniel R. Elliott''</big>
OnTrackNorthAmerica supports the utilization of all transport modes within a sound multimodal system.</br>


<span style=color:#477F97;><u><h3><b>Sustainability Commitment</u></h3></b></span>
Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board</br>


<b>Return-on-Investment</b></br>
<big>''R. Powell Felix''</big>


We believe that the return-on-investment analysis of economic development should account for all environmental and community impacts.</br>
Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation</br>


<b>Acknowledging Unavoidable Elements</b></br>
<big>''Jim Hoecker''</big>
We acknowledge that some projects generate a degree of negative impact, which may be unavoidable in realizing a net positive contribution.</br></br>


</br>
Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission


<b>Transition from Fossil Fuels</b></br>
<big>''Arthur Menko''</big>
We support investments in projects that enable the transition from fossil fuels, petrochemicals, and overuse of water while acknowledging the pragmatic challenges on the journey to a cleaner economy. We guide our clients and communities to align their planning and investment horizons with the rapid evolution of these markets.</br>


<b>Connecting with Community Stewards</b></br>
Founder and President of Telcodata and Business Planning, Inc


We advise project developers to interact proactively with community stewards, whose influence on advancing or blocking projects makes them valuable partners.</br>
<big>''J. Vann Cunningham''</big>


<b>Including Everyone</b></br>
Assistant Vice President, Economic Development, at BNSF Railway – Retired; Fellow Member, International Economic Development Council; Former TVA Chief of Regional Planning; Former Practice Principal in economic development and site selection, Lockwood Green Consulting<br>


Including everyone benefiting from or impacted by a project is critical to successful design and implementation. </br>
==== <i><b><u>Advisory Board</u> </b></i> ====
<big>''Daniel Burgess''</big>  


<b>Best Interest of the Community and Environment</b></br>
Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456</br>


As we level with everyone if a project is not economically viable, we also illuminate when the community's best interests or the environment are not being served.</br>
<big>''Dr. Beverly A. Cigler''</big>


</br>
Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg</br>


<b>There are four steps to evaluating every project for alignment with these values and goals.</b></br>
<big>''Steve Gothreau''</big>


Each project’s commodities, activities, and impacts are cataloged.</br>
Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)</br>


For nuanced and complex projects, we conduct research to complete our understanding of environmental and community impacts.</br>
<big>''Philip Mortimer''</big></br>
Director, TruckTrain Industries


We share our findings with the team and stakeholders to invite all perspectives.</br>
<big>''Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.''</big></br>
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee


Together, we decide how to influence the project’s sustainability properly.</br>
<big>''Brian Rademacher''</big>


<b>We hold ourselves accountable to future generations by working only on projects that align with a sustainable environment and healthy communities.</b></br>
CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach</br>
 
<big>''Karen Risa Robbins''</big>
 
Principal, Washington Progress Group</br>
 
<big>''Peter Schwartzman''</big>
 
Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program</br>
 
<big>''Dr. Joseph Schwieterman''</big>
 
Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development
 
 
 
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<big>
====OnTrackNorthAmerica====
[[Special:Contact|Contact us]]
</big>
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<div style="min-width:300; float:right; flex:2; padding-left:20px; padding-right:20px; border-left:medium solid #c8ccd1">
<big>'''1700 Sansom Street, Suite 701'''
 
'''Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA'''
 
'''Phone: +1 215-564-3004'''</big>
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</div>

Latest revision as of 18:47, 3 November 2025

About OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA)

Michael Sussman
Michael Sussman

OTNA was founded by Michael Sussman in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 industrial policy institute co-leading society in redesigning industrial systems to support sustainable life. Michael Sussman began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching Strategic Rail Finance, a trusted advisory firm, and has since advised on infrastructure-related projects, companies, and systems for private and public sector clients in forty-three U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.


At OTNA, we value objectivity, non-partisanship, and autonomy from any financial, political, or personal interests. We are committed to industrial systems that are financially profitable and sustainable.

OTNA has developed state and regional plans, tools, analyses, and paradigms supporting these values.


OnTrackNorthAmerica Frequently Collaborates with Partners in Academia


He has contributed to improving public policy by meeting with staff or leaders of 69 U.S. Senate and 195 U.S. House offices.


Representative acknowledgments of these efforts:


Michael‘s writing has been published in many transportation industry journals:

Board of Trustees

Michael Sussman

Chairman, OnTrackNorthAmerica and Chairman & CEO, Strategic Rail Finance

Eugene N. (“Gene”) Cipriani

Attorney; former advisor to the United States Railway Association (U.S.R.A.); former in-house corporate counsel for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Daniel R. Elliott

Transportation Attorney, Former Chairman of U.S. Surface Transportation Board

R. Powell Felix

Founder, Indiana Boxcar Corporation

Jim Hoecker

Founder, Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC, former Chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Arthur Menko

Founder and President of Telcodata and Business Planning, Inc

J. Vann Cunningham

Assistant Vice President, Economic Development, at BNSF Railway – Retired; Fellow Member, International Economic Development Council; Former TVA Chief of Regional Planning; Former Practice Principal in economic development and site selection, Lockwood Green Consulting

Advisory Board

Daniel Burgess

Local Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Division 456

Dr. Beverly A. Cigler

Professor of Public Policy & Administration, Penn State Harrisburg

Steve Gothreau

Norfolk Southern Rail Train & Engine Service (Retired)

Philip Mortimer
Director, TruckTrain Industries

Mingzhou Jin, Ph.D.
Associate Head Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Tennessee

Brian Rademacher

CEcD Economic Development Director, City of Ormond Beach

Karen Risa Robbins

Principal, Washington Progress Group

Peter Schwartzman

Associate Professor & Chair, Knox College Environmental Studies Program

Dr. Joseph Schwieterman

Director, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development


OnTrackNorthAmerica

Contact us

1700 Sansom Street, Suite 701

Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA

Phone: +1 215-564-3004

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