Alaska Railroad Corporation Promotes New Chief Financial Officer

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) promoted its controller, Michelle Maddox, as the new Chief Financial Officer. As head of the ARRC Finance Division, Maddox oversees the railroad’s financial planning and analysis, accounting, supply management, grant administration, technology, and risk management. The CFO also advises the railroad’s executive management team and board of directors in financial matters.

“I feel prepared and eager to tackle this challenging role,” says Maddox. “The opportunity offers an exciting chapter with an organization that has been such a big part of my professional journey, as well as part of the roots that keep me in a state that I love.”

Originally from Idaho, Maddox completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University. She and her husband moved to Alaska in 1998, and within weeks she secured a job as assistant controller with the railroad. Since then, Maddox has been in charge of payroll and accounts payable, and she was promoted to controller in 2020.

“With Michelle, we could not have had a more prepared and qualified candidate to fill the critical CFO role,” says ARRC President and CEO Bill O’Leary. “We are very fortunate to have Michelle’s proven leadership and the kind of extensive corporate knowledge that comes with a railroad career spanning well over two decades.”

Maddox succeeds Barbara Amy, who left the state-owned railroad in January. Maddox notes that the railroad has been developing succession plans for key positions. “About a year ago, then CFO Barbara Amy identified potential CFO succession candidates, including myself,” Maddox says. “She’s been a great mentor and I’m grateful for her insights.”