In Feb. 2012, Jonathan (Jon) joined Transtar as General Manager, later serving as President of the Transtar Companies with USS until July 2021. Jon remained Transtar’s President through the sale process, and was named CEO in Feb 2023. Previously, Mr. Carnes held roles including President and Chairman at the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis, GM at NKCR (an OmniTRAX Inc. company), and various positions at CSX. He holds two bachelor’s from the University of N. Florida and an EMBA from the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business.

Jonathan Chastek has served at the WLE’s President since 2019 and has a diverse work experience in the transportation and defense sectors. Jonathan began this career with the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway Company in 2004 and has since held various roles. Prior to the WLE he served in the US Navy as a Strategic Sealift Officer reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander.  Jonathan’s work experience spans over 22 years in leadership, business development, and operational roles. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University.

Transtar’s Senior VP, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary since U. S. Steel’s divestiture in 2021, previously served as Senior Counsel in the U.S. Steel Legal Department for over a decade. His legal career began at the global law firm K&L Gates. Mr. Fearing holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Duquesne University School of Law.

Joined Transtar in April 2022, became CFO in Feb. 2023. Previously CFO at Katahdin Railcar Services, VP at Central Maine & Quebec Railway, instrumental in its sale to Canadian Pacific in 2019. Earlier, held leadership roles at Campbell Soup Company in Supply Chain, Corporate Audit, and Finance. Holds a B.A. in Financial Economics from Saint Anselm College.

John W. Burwinkel III (J.W.) serves as Senior VP and Chief Administrative Officer since Aug. 2022. JW joined the Transtar family in Oct. 2006 (Union Railroad) and since has held diverse positions in the railroad sector including IT, supply chain and multiple marketing roles. Mr. Burwinkel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown and an MBA from Point Park University.

Senior VP & Chief Human Resource Officer, rejoined Transtar in August of 2021 after serving as Director Labor & Workforce Relations for Highmark Health. Jason has held roles in labor and employee relations in both Class I and short line railroads. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law.

Scott Conner, Sr. VP and Chief Operating Officer. He joined Transtar in September 2017 where he led efforts to improve safety and operational performance. Prior to joining Transtar he held various leadership positions during his 22-year career with CSX Transportation. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern College and attended the Harvard Business Leadership Program.

Justin serves as Chief Commercial Officer for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway and brings nearly two decades of experience with the company. He joined W&LE in 2007, beginning his career in Finance before transitioning to Marketing in 2012. Since then, Justin has played a key role in shaping the railroad’s commercial strategy, supporting growth across multiple commodity groups and customer segments. His deep institutional knowledge and collaborative leadership style have been instrumental in advancing W&LE’s marketing and sales initiatives. Justin holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron and a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University.