Patriot Rail has appointed Katie Roller as chief external affairs officer and Laura Mellem as vice president of marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement, the company announced June 15.
According to a news release from the Jacksonville-based rail service provider, Roller has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 15 at CSX before joining Patriot Rail in 2023.
In her new role, she will oversee public affairs, marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement in support of the company’s continued expansion and long-term business objectives.
Mellem brings 15 years of public-sector communications and marketing experience with the city of Minneapolis, the Port of New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and the city of New Orleans, the release said.
“Katie and Laura are exceptional communicators whose experience and leadership will strengthen how Patriot Rail engages employees, customers, partners and communities,” said Brandy Christian, CEO of Patriot Rail, in the release. “Katie’s appointment to the executive team reflects the strategic importance of external affairs to our business, and Laura’s expertise will help us tell the story of Patriot’s next chapter across our growing portfolio.”
Patriot Rail provides short line and regional rail service across 31 short line railroads and four excursion railways, plus support services that include transloading, rail car storage, real estate support and logistics planning.