Jacksonville, Fla. – September 16, 2026 -- Patriot Rail Company has appointed Jason Bradt as Chief Operating Officer, succeeding longtime executive Jerry Hall, who will retire at the end of 2026.
Bradt brings nearly 30 years of railroad leadership to the top operations role
Bradt spent his career at Genesee & Wyoming and CSX, holding leadership positions across safety, transportation, mechanical, engineering and maintenance, customer service, commercial development, and strategic growth. Patriot Rail President and CEO Brandy Christian said the company selected Bradt following a comprehensive search process to lead the next phase of operational growth.
Hall departs after significant contributions to the company's railroad network
Christian credited Hall's leadership and partnership with helping shape Patriot Rail's culture and operations over his tenure, noting the company plans to mark his retirement with employees, customers, and communities in the coming months.
New COO will oversee operations across a 1,200-mile, 23-state network
Patriot Rail operates 31 short line railroads and four excursion railways in the United States, alongside transloading, railcar storage, real estate support, and logistics planning services. As COO, Bradt will manage operating functions across this network and work with company leadership on service quality, customer relationships, leadership development, and growth initiatives.
"Patriot Rail has built a strong reputation for operational excellence, customer service, and investing in its people,