Chris Blackwell
About Chris Blackwell
Chris Blackwell is a Supervisor of PTC Assessment Control at The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, where he has worked since 2018. He has a diverse career spanning over two decades in various roles, including business management, finance, and technical positions, with significant expertise in Positive Train Control systems.
Work at Kansas City Southern Railway Company
Chris Blackwell has been employed at The Kansas City Southern Railway Company since 2009. He currently holds the position of Supervisor, PTC Assessment Control, a role he has occupied since 2018. In addition to this supervisory role, he serves as the PTC Lab Test Lead, contributing to the development and implementation of Positive Train Control systems. His tenure at the company spans over 15 years, during which he has gained extensive experience in safety and technology within the railway industry.
Previous Employment Experience
Prior to his current role, Chris Blackwell worked in various capacities across different industries. He served as a Business Manager at Enterprise Car Sales from 1996 to 2002, where he managed operations for six years. Following this, he worked as a Finance & Insurance Executive at Universal Underwriters Group from 2002 to 2004. He also has military experience, having served as an Airborne Signals Analyst in the United States Air Force from 1990 to 1996.
Education and Specialized Training
Chris Blackwell's educational background includes a diploma from Winnetonka High School, which he obtained from 1985 to 1989. He furthered his education at various institutions, including the Emergency Management Institute, where he studied Emergency Management. He also attended the National Consortium Staff College, focusing on Emergency/Disaster Preparedness & Response Management, earning an Associate of Specialized Training. Additionally, he completed training at the US Air Force Leadership Academy, specializing in Leadership and Management, and studied Communications and Applied Technologies at the Community College of the Air Force.
Expertise in Positive Train Control
Chris Blackwell possesses over a decade of experience in roles related to Positive Train Control (PTC). His expertise in this area is underscored by his involvement in advanced systems designed to enhance railway safety by automatically stopping trains to prevent accidents. His current roles at The Kansas City Southern Railway Company reflect his deep knowledge and commitment to improving safety protocols within the railway industry.
Leadership Skills and Background
Chris Blackwell has developed strong leadership and management skills through his training at the US Air Force Leadership Academy. His military background, combined with his diverse career experiences in finance, insurance, and technical roles, has equipped him with a unique skill set. This blend of experiences contributes to his effectiveness in supervisory positions, particularly in high-stakes environments such as railway safety and emergency management.