North Carolina Railroad Company Announces Leadership Transition
RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 25, 2026 – The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) today announced that Carl Warren and the NCRR board of directors have mutually agreed that this is the right time for a leadership transition, following six years in which Warren helped guide the company through an important period of growth, focus and long-term positioning. Warren will conclude his tenure as president and CEO and continue working with the Board and leadership team to support a smooth transition.
During his tenure, the North Carolina Railroad Company ushered in an unprecedented wave of economic development activity in the state, creating 12,262 new jobs and stimulating $40.4 million in direct investments in local economies across the state. NCRR expanded its work to support economic development and infrastructure needs across North Carolina. NCRR also secured $105.6 million in federal funding for transformational passenger and freight rail improvements.
“Leading the North Carolina Railroad Company has given me the opportunity to work alongside an exceptionally capable team at a time of tremendous growth and opportunity for our state,” Warren said. “I’m proud of the results this team has delivered and the ways we have strengthened NCRR’s ability to support communities, businesses and infrastructure across North Carolina. It has been a privilege to lead an organization entrusted with one of the state’s most unique and enduring infrastructure assets, and I’m confident this team will continue delivering for North Carolina for years to come.”
NCRR’s executive leadership team will remain in place and continue managing the company’s day-to-day work, with active support and oversight from the board of directors throughout the transition. Malcomb Coley will serve as a board liaison to the executive team to assist through the transition until a president and CEO is named.
“Carl joined NCRR at an important point in the company’s evolution, and the board asked him to help sharpen the company’s priorities, strengthen its strategic direction and position NCRR for the future,” said Steve Lerner, chair of the NCRR board of directors. “He has done that work with dedication and care, and we are grateful for his leadership and the results achieved during his tenure. He leaves behind a talented team, a strong organization and important work underway across the state. We have confidence in the team and in NCRR’s ability to continue that work through this transition and beyond.”
“NCRR has served North Carolina for more than 175 years, and that long-term mission extends well beyond any one leader,” said Franklin Rouse, former board of directors chair. “Carl and the NCRR team have helped communities across our state compete for investment, strengthen infrastructure and prepare for future growth. That work will continue, and we are confident in NCRR’s future.”
The NCRR board of directors has engaged Korn Ferry to conduct a national search for the company’s next president and CEO. Additional information will be shared as the search progresses.