October 29, 2026
Wilmington, DE – On October 20, 2026, American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) member Byron Duck was elected as Amtrak System Committee General Chairman. A Train Dispatcher with 13 years of experience, Duck was first elected to serve as Local Chairman for the Wilmington Train Dispatchers during ATDA's 2025 triennial elections, beginning his term on January 1, 2026. Following the retirement of General Chairman Jessica Veltri, Duck stepped forward to take on the responsibility of representing ATDA members throughout the Amtrak System.
Commenting on his election, Duck stated, “I am truly honored to have been elected as General Chairman and grateful for the opportunity to represent our ATDA members at Amtrak. After 13 years as a Train Dispatcher, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges that we face every day. I understand the importance of strong representation and having someone willing to stand up for our members.
I take this responsibility very seriously. I look forward to being there for our members, listening to their concerns, and working together to make sure that their voices are heard. I really appreciate the trust that has been imparted to me, and I will work hard every day to earn that trust. I am proud to be a Train Dispatcher, proud to be a member of the ATDA, and excited about what we can accomplish together.”