Jason Orthner has been the Rail Division director for the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) since 2018. Mr. Orthner worked for a private engineering firm prior to joining the NCDOT Rail Division in 2000, and has worked in railroad project and program management for more than 28 years. He is responsible for leading statewide rail initiatives, including safety, planning, engineering, construction, and freight and passenger programs. He serves on several national rail committees, including the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee Executive Team, the Next Generation Equipment Committee and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Committee 11 - Intercity and Commuter Rail. Mr. Orthner holds a degree in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, is a registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Public Manager.