Patriot Rail Names Jason Bradt Chief Operating Officer to Lead Next Phase of Growth

Veteran railroad executive brings nearly three decades of leadership experience spanning safety, operations, mechanical, transportation, and business growth.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Patriot Rail Company announced the appointment of Jason Bradt as Chief Operating Officer (COO), strengthening the company's leadership team as it continues to expand its railroad, transload, logistics, and excursion operations across the United States.

Bradt will succeed longtime railroad executive Jerry Hall, who will retire at the end of 2026, following an accomplished career and significant contributions to Patriot Rail.

"Jerry's impact on Patriot Rail extends far beyond the railroads and operations he helped lead," said Brandy Christian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Patriot Rail. "His leadership, partnership, and dedication to our employees, customers, and communities have helped shape Patriot Rail into the company it is today. We are grateful for his many contributions and look forward to celebrating his remarkable career in the months ahead."

Following a comprehensive search process, Patriot Rail selected Bradt to help lead the company's next chapter of operational growth.

Bradt brings nearly 30 years of railroad experience and has held leadership roles across safety, transportation, mechanical, engineering and maintenance, customer service, commercial development, and strategic growth. Throughout his career with Genesee & Wyoming and CSX, he has built strong teams, improved safety performance, strengthened customer relationships, and supported business expansion.

"What stood out about Jason was the breadth of his experience and his commitment to people," said Christian. "He is a leader who understands every aspect of the railroad business. Just as importantly, he believes in developing leaders, building strong teams, and creating a culture where employees can succeed. Those values align closely with who we are at Patriot Rail and where we are headed as a company."

As COO, Bradt will oversee operating functions across Patriot Rail's network and work closely with company leadership to drive service excellence, strengthen customer relationships, develop future leaders, and advance strategic growth initiatives.

"I'm honored to join Patriot Rail at such an exciting time in the company's evolution," said Bradt. "Patriot Rail has built a strong reputation for operational excellence, customer service, and investing in its people. I look forward to working alongside employees across the network to build on that foundation, strengthen our operations, and help create new opportunities for growth for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve."

The leadership transition comes as Patriot Rail continues investing in its railroads, transload facilities, logistics capabilities, and excursion operations while pursuing new opportunities for growth throughout its network.

"Patriot Rail is well-positioned for the future," added Christian. "We have talented people, a clear vision, and exciting opportunities ahead. Jason's experience and leadership will help us continue building on the strong foundation already in place as we create value for our customers, employees, and communities."

About Patriot Rail Company:

Patriot Rail is a short line and regional rail service provider in the United States, operating 31 short line railroads, four excursion railways, and a range of customer support services, including transloading, railcar storage, real estate support, and logistics planning. Patriot Rail's principal operations include rail freight transportation and ancillary rail services across more than 1,200 miles of track in 23 states. For more information, visit patriotrail.com.

Media Contact:

Laura Mellem
[email protected]
904-952-2414

SOURCE Patriot Rail Company LLC