JOHN L. ATKINS, III NAMED CHAIRMAN OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY

Raleigh, NC -- The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) Board of Directors has elected John L. Atkins III, of Durham, as Chairman of its Board of Directors, and Christie S. Cameron, of Raleigh, as Vice Chair, effective October 1, 2009. Mr. Atkins has served on the Board since 2004. Ms. Cameron has served on the Board since 1999. Mr. Atkins will succeed William H. Kincheloe, of Rocky Mount, who has served as Chairman since 2006. Mr. Kincheloe will step down as Chairman and continue to serve as a member of the Board.

John Atkins is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of O’Brien/Atkins, an architectural and engineering firm located in Research Triangle Park, NC. He is active in industry groups, civic and professional organizations and economic development initiatives. Christie Cameron is Clerk of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

“John will continue the emphasis on increasing the use of the NCRR rail corridor as both a key transportation artery and an economic development engine that our Board has made a priority,” Kincheloe says.

“We gratefully acknowledge the time and industry knowledge that Bill Kincheloe has shared with us and look forward to his continuing contributions,” Atkins says.

The North Carolina Railroad Company owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor extending from Morehead City to Charlotte. The railroad carries 60-plus freight trains and eight passenger trains daily. It manages and improves its corridor to enhance freight and passenger service and promote economic development. NCRR is the state’s oldest corporation and remains at the forefront of rail improvements and partnership development to promote jobs and rail-served industry across the state.