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LRW Announces 2024 Woman of the Year

The League of Railway Women (LRW) recently named Amtrak Corporate Secretary and Ethics Officer (Former – EVP & General Counsel & Corporate Secretary) Eleanor “Eldie” D. Acheson the winner of the 2024 Railway Woman of the Year award.  Acheson was honored at an awards presentation during the 2025 NRC Conference & NRC REMSA Exhibition.
Image of Eldie Acheson


The League of Railway Women (LRW) recently named Amtrak Corporate Secretary and Ethics Officer (Former – EVP & General Counsel & Corporate Secretary) Eleanor “Eldie” D. Acheson the winner of the 2024 Railway Woman of the Year award.  Acheson was honored at an awards presentation during the 2025 NRC Conference & NRC REMSA Exhibition.

Co-sponsored by Progressive Railroading, this annual award honors a woman who establishes a strong vision, promotes a culture of continuous improvement and creativity, and brings excellence to her organization and community, all while supporting the personal and professional growth of others in the rail industry.

“LRW's Woman of the Year Advisory Committee was impressed by Eldie's unwavering commitment to creating pathways of opportunity for women and other minorities across the Amtrak organization,” said LRW President Lisa Tackach . “She has championed diversity in our industry, as well as accessibility for Amtrak passengers throughout the system. We learned about her upcoming retirement after selection and are honored to have her represent the League of Railway Women as the 2024 Railway Woman of the Year as she concludes her remarkable career”
 
Acheson has worked at Amtrak for 18 years. She recently stepped down as the company's Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel effective October 1, 2024, and is scheduled to retire from Amtrak effective February 1, 2025. 
 
Acheson created the first Diversity Committee in Amtrak's Law Department, established Notch 8, a professional group for women at Amtrak, and played an integral role in ensuring Amtrak's compliance with the ADA throughout her tenure. Prior to joining Amtrak, Acheson was appointed by President William J. Clinton to serve as the Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of Policy Development (2003). She also advised the Attorney General, other DOJ senior leadership, the counsel to the President, and White House advisors on legal policy issues, serving in that position until January 2001. 

Before her appointment in the DOJ, Acheson spent 19 years as a trial attorney at a private law firm.

The Woman of the Year Advisory Committee, comprised of former Woman of the Year recipients, led by LRW Awards Chair, Denise Williams, recommends an award recipient to the LRW Board of Directors each year. 
 

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