Leadership Team

Brandy D. Christian

Chief Executive Officer

Rail, ports and global supply chain leader Brandy D. Christian was appointed chief executive officer in July, 2024. 

Christian comes to Patriot Rail from her recent roles as president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), the nation’s 10th largest port by general cargo tonnage, and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). The fourth-largest rail gateway in the U.S., the NOPB short line serves Port NOLA and interchanges directly with six Class 1 railroads. Christian oversaw Port NOLA’s acquisition and integration of the NOPB, which under her direction increased operating income by nearly 300 percent and improved safety, operating efficiency, and service. 

During her seven years as Port NOLA president and CEO, Christian led the largest economic development project and public-private partnership in Louisiana history, the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal set for construction in 2025 and the centerpiece of the capital improvement of more than 2,500 acres of maritime, industrial and rail property. During her tenure as president and CEO, Christian grew Port NOLA revenues by 70 percent. Christian also served from 2015-2017 as Port NOLA’s chief operating officer.

Previously Christian was vice president of strategy and business development for the Port of San Diego and a management consultant with KPMG. Christian has served in multiple advisory and board roles, including the U.S. Surface Transportation Board Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council, the Green Marine Board of Directors, the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank Trade and Transportation Advisory Council, the Louisiana Board of International Commerce, and the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. 

Christian holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.