Why SunRail needs a full-time CEO

Railroad locomotives have a “dead man’s switch” that automatically shuts down the train if the engineer becomes incapacitated or leaves the driver’s seat.

So, who is in the driver’s seat at SunRail now that Nicola Liquori, the commuter train system’s CEO, has moved to her new assignment heading the Florida Turnpike Enterprise?

We’re told that Mike Shannon, the Florida Department of Transportation Secretary for District 5, will be running SunRail.

We don’t know Mr. Shannon, but we’ll assume he is top-notch manager. His present scope of responsibilities is humongous overseeing FDOT projects and planning in Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties.

Now Mr. Shannon is going to oversee day-to-day operations at SunRail?

The SunRail operations center is in Sanford.

Mr. Shannon’s district office is in DeLand. The SunRail train doesn’t even go to DeLand -- much to the disappointment of many Volusia County leaders and prospective riders.

Admittedly we were a bit suspicious when Ms. Liquori was appointed SunRail’s CEO three summers ago.

Ms. Liquori was a CPA -- a numbers cruncher with no railroading background when she arrived at SunRail. She proved to be a quick study and an effective, decisive leader.

Ms. Liquori was the right executive at the right time.

Until Ms. Liquori’s arrival other SunRail and FDOT officials dismissed rider complaints about SunRail’s anemic schedule, especially the lack of weekend trains.

By contrast, Ms. Liquori publicly admitted that the SunRail schedule was the system’s single biggest deficiency. Her candor was refreshing and instilled confidence in her leadership.

Though limited by a lack of resources and legal authority to add weekend service, Ms. Liquori worked around the edges to make incremental adjustments in weekday service – including trains to support some nighttime events in downtown Orlando.

Anyone who attended a SunRail Customer Advisory Committee meeting knows Ms. Liquori was laser-focused on improving the passenger experience.

Nothing beats having an executive whose sole focus is SunRail.

Considering all the FDOT projects underway in Central Florida, does Mr. Shannon have the bandwidth to give SunRail and its riders the attention they deserve?

This is no time for caretaker leadership.

SunRail deserves and needs a full-time CEO.