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RailAmerica Executive Recognized as 'Up and Coming' Business, Civic Leader

5/7/2009 1:00:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 8, 2009) – Josh Putterman, RailAmerica’s vice president of operating strategy, has been named one of Jacksonville’s “40 Under 40.” The award, bestowed by the Jacksonville Business Journal, honors young executives who have achieved a high level of responsibility in both their careers and the Jacksonville community.

 

After 16 years in positions of increasing responsibility with a Class-I railroad, Putterman joined RailAmerica as an assistant vice president in August 2007. In 2008, he was promoted to vice president and oversaw the development of two notable deals with Class-I railroads. Building on a long-term partnership with Norfolk Southern Railway, Putterman developed a strategic alliance to upgrade rail lines and add service in the Great Lakes region. Additionally, he partnered with Union Pacific Railroad to build capital plans for a key Midwest operation.

 

Putterman is actively involved in the local community, currently serving his second term as a member of the Community Development Board for the City of Atlantic Beach. In managing land-use applications, the board ensures responsible growth and development in Atlantic Beach, enabling the community to maintain its unique character.

 

“We’re proud to have an exceptional business and civic leader like Josh on the RailAmerica team,” said John Giles, RailAmerica’s CEO. “Josh exemplifies our core values of integrity, respect, making fact-based decisions, keeping our heads in the game and being a hands-on team player and demanding partner who expects the same from others. We’re excited to see him recognized for his efforts.”

 

Putterman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University. He and his wife of 12 years, Deirdre MacCarthy, have a 3-year-old daughter, Grace.

 

About RailAmerica, Inc.

RailAmerica is a leading owner and operator of North American regional and short-line railroads. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., the company operates railroads in 27 states and three Canadian provinces, with more than 8,000 miles of track. RailAmerica is owned by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $34.3 billion in assets under management. For more information, visit www.railamerica.com and www.fortress.com.

 

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Michelle King

michelle.king@railamerica.com

Office: 904.645.6200

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