AAR Appoints Farmer AVP, Security

The Association of American Railroads is pleased to announce that Thomas L. Farmer is joining the staff of the Safety & Operations department as assistant vice president, security effective April 5, 2010.

Mr. Farmer most recently served as acting general manager, mass transit, for the Transportation Security Administration, where he spent six years in a variety of TSA-rail related positions beginning as senior counsel – intermodal programs.

“We are delighted that Tom will be joining the AAR team. The railroads have an absolute commitment to maintain the highest standards with our security program. Tom’s unique background and experience will provide real value as we continue to expand the industry’s work in the field of security,” said Edward Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads.

Farmer will be responsible for heading the industry’s efforts to continue to provide safe, efficient transportion of goods through the freight rail system in coordination with the various federal agencies overseeing freight rail security.

Prior to joining TSA, Mr. Farmer served in the United States military as a Judge Advocate, United States Air Force.

Tom is a graduate of Seton Hall University and earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. He also received a M.A. from The Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C.

Among his notable achievements, Mr. Farmer was awarded TSA Headquarters Employee of the Year (2006), the TSA Team Leadership Award (2007 and 2008), the TSA Office of Chief Counsel Gold Medal Award (2005-06), and is a four time recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (1997, 2000, 2002 and 2004).