Greenbrier hires Jack Isselmann as Director of Corporate Relations and Communications

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenbrier Companies [NYSE: GBX] today announced that Jack Isselmann joined the Company as Director of Corporate Relations and Communications.

Isselmann reports to William Furman, president and chief executive officer.  In this role, he will lead the Company's interaction with political officials and candidates and provide strategic direction on legislative matters.  Isselmann will assume the public affairs responsibilities previously held by Susan Wilson, director, operations analysis and control & public affairs, who is joining her husband on a multi-year expatriate assignment in China.  Wilson will continue to do international consulting work for Greenbrier, reporting to the CEO and others as assigned.

Isselmann will also act as the Company's interface in local communities where Greenbrier has operations.  As head of public affairs, he will direct Greenbrier's charitable contributions program and manage company media relations and internal communication programs.  Isselmann will supervise the Company's representation in various business organizations and coalitions as well as participate in Greenbrier's legal and human resources operations.

"We feel fortunate to have an individual of Jack's caliber join our organization," commented William Furman.  Furman continued, "Jack's reputation has been that of an extremely effective advocate and strategist for his clients.  This, combined with his deep experience and extensive personal network, will provide Greenbrier with great capability across a broad range of responsibilities."

Isselmann most recently was a partner at Tonkon Torp LLP and head of its Oregon Government Relations practice group.  At Tonkon Torp, Isselmann served the Oregon University System, the Oregon Economic Development Association, the City of Hillsboro, and Greenbrier, among other clients.  Prior to joining Tonkon Torp in 2006, Isselmann served as deputy director for the State of Oregon's Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD), and was on the Governor's staff from 2003 to 2005.  He also previously acted as a corporate lawyer, both in-house and in private practice, for Silicon Forest technology companies and was a principal in his own public affairs and government relations consulting practice. 

Isselmann is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Southern California and earned his law degree with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law.  He serves on the board of trustees for All Hands Raised, and previously served on the boards of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Oregon chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

About Greenbrier Companies

Greenbrier, (www.gbrx.com), headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading supplier of transportation equipment and services to the railroad industry. Greenbrier builds new railroad freight cars in its three manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Mexico and marine barges at its U.S. facility. It also repairs and refurbishes freight cars and provides wheels and railcar parts at 39 locations across North America. Greenbrier builds new railroad freight cars and refurbishes freight cars for the European market through both its operations in Poland and various subcontractor facilities throughout Europe. Greenbrier owns approximately 11,000 railcars, and performs management services for approximately 219,000 railcars.

SOURCE The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX)