Bill O'Leary

Chief Operating Officer
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Professional Overview

Bill O'Leary is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the transportation and aviation industries. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Alaska Railroad Corporation, he oversees the strategic and operational aspects of this critical infrastructure asset, driving efficiency, growth, and safety across the organization.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Chief Operating Officer, Alaska Railroad Corporation (Present)

• Responsible for the overall management and operational performance of the Alaska Railroad, a state-owned freight and passenger rail system

• Leads a team of over 800 employees in maintaining and improving the 700-mile rail network

• Spearheaded initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety and reliability

• Collaborated with state and federal stakeholders to secure funding for critical infrastructure upgrades and expansion projects

Chief Financial Officer, Alaska Railroad Corporation (Present)

• Oversees the financial health and reporting for the Alaska Railroad, managing a multi-million dollar budget

• Implemented robust financial controls and forecasting systems to support strategic decision-making

• Played a key role in securing financing for major capital investments and infrastructure projects

Controller, Alaska International Airport System (Present)

• Responsible for the accounting and financial reporting functions for the state's primary airport system

• Collaborated with airport management to optimize financial performance and drive cost-saving initiatives

In Charge Auditor, Alaska Division of Legislative Audit (Present)

• Conducted comprehensive audits of state agencies and programs to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement

• Provided expert advisory services to state policymakers and legislative committees

Career Progression

Prior to his current roles, Bill held various leadership positions within the Alaska Railroad Corporation, including serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer. He has also worked as a senior auditor for the Alaska Division of Legislative Audit, where he honed his expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and operational analysis.

Academic Background

Bill holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, with a focus on Accounting and Finance. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed executive leadership training programs to further enhance his management and strategic capabilities.

Areas of Expertise

• Transportation and infrastructure management

• Financial planning, reporting, and control

• Operational efficiency and cost optimization

• Regulatory compliance and governance

• Stakeholder engagement and partnership development

Professional Impact

Under Bill's leadership, the Alaska Railroad has achieved significant operational and financial improvements, including:

• Implementing a comprehensive safety program that reduced incident rates by 25% over the past three years

• Overseeing the completion of a $500 million infrastructure upgrade project, improving reliability and capacity

• Diversifying the railroad's revenue streams by expanding freight and passenger service offerings

• Securing over $200 million in state and federal funding for future expansion and modernization initiatives

Conclusion

With his deep industry knowledge, strong financial acumen, and proven track record of operational excellence, Bill O'Leary is a highly respected leader in the transportation and aviation sectors. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Alaska Railroad Corporation, he continues to drive sustainable growth, enhance service quality, and position the organization as a vital economic engine for the state of Alaska.