Tacoma Rail Management Team

Alan Matheson was named superintendent and COO of Tacoma Rail in 2024. Alan has spent 20 years serving Tacoma Rail, dedicating most of his professional life to Rail customers and the community. He has worked as a Trainmaster, Roadmaster, and Assistant Superintendent. He served as a Pacific Region Board member for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) from 2016 – 2023 and remains active in the national trade association. Before joining Tacoma Rail, Matheson was general manager for American Orient Express (AOE) Rail Services and was responsible for maintenance and refurbishment of vintage luxury railcars operating in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. 

Tim Flood is Tacoma Rail’s Terminal Superintendent; he oversees the entire Operating Department and has been in that position since 2007. In this role, he is responsible for implementing policy, executing the daily operating plan, and supervising 75-plus employees in the coordination and safe operational movement of all train activities within Tacoma Rail. Flood began his railroad career in train service as a Conductor with the BNSF Railway and has held the positions of Yardmaster, Trainmaster, and Intermodal Hub Manager. Before his railroad career, he served as a Hotshot Wildland Firefighter in California, working on fire suppression efforts throughout the United States. He has non-profit experience serving as President of the Transportation Club of Tacoma as well as the Tacoma Community College Foundation Board for many years. He is passionate about customer service, relationships in the transportation industry, and giving back to the community through charitable work. Tim has a Bachelor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. 

Dan McCabe is Tacoma Rail’s Deputy Superintendent and manages finance and technology. He has received national awards on behalf of Tacoma Rail for his work in railroad technology. His work in writing financial applications has garnered more than $40 million in grants and zero-interest state loans. Dan has been in the railroad industry for more than 24 years and was certified as a locomotive engineer. He is a Tacoma native and has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Western Washington University. 

Lori Daniels is responsible for various labor relations, including negotiation of collective bargaining agreements under the Railway Labor Act, development of innovative labor/management strategies, succession planning, recruitment and employee retention, compliance with Federal Railroad Administration regulations, and budgetary support and fiscal responsibility. Daniels began her career at TPU in 1989 as a customer service assistant and moved to Human Resources in 1996. Daniels moved to Tacoma Rail in 1999 and held the positions of administrative secretary, administrative assistant, and supervisor of operations until taking her current position in 2006. 

Kyle Kellem serves as Tacoma Rail’s Roadmaster and Emergency Manager. Kyle began his railroad career in 1997 working for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad repairing bridges and buildings. Kyle joined Tacoma Rail in 2000, began progressing through various positions of increased responsibility, and was promoted to Roadmaster in 2013. As Roadmaster, he oversees the Engineering department and is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of Tacoma Rail’s infrastructure, buildings, and construction equipment. The role of Emergency Manager includes primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with Tacoma Rail’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan, including plan maintenance, staff training, and incident response coordination in a manner consistent with state and federal regulations. Kyle is a member of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) Engineering Committee, having previously served as Vice Chairman and Chairman from 2013 – 2025.

Kari is Tacoma Rail’s Chief Mechanical Officer, overseeing both the Locomotive Maintenance and Facility Maintenance Departments. Notably, the Locomotive Maintenance Department provides a value-added service by servicing the locomotives of two Class I railroads, BNSF and Union Pacific. Since starting a railroad career in 2005, Kari has had the opportunity to serve in roles including Administrative Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Management Analyst I and II, Operations Manager, and now Chief Mechanical Officer. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Kari is responsible for bid specification development, contract administration, and capital and grant project oversight. An active industry participant, Kari is a member of the American Shortline and Regional Railroad Association’s Mechanical Committee, Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association, League of Railway Women, Tacoma Propeller Club, Transportation Club of Tacoma, and is an Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteer.