Our Team

The Alameda Belt Line brings together a team of industry leaders from around the country who have each spent decades optimizing the transportation industry. Combining their varied expertise, the team is uniquely positioned to guide improvements for freight transportation through the Alameda corridor that will enhance efficiencies and boost local economies.

CEO

Martin Yarnall

With more than 20 years of diversified experience in supply chain logistics and terminal operations, CEO Martin Yarnall is an industry leader, driving development strategies for multiple infrastructure assets and managing performance, safety, and budgets for some of our nation’s largest maritime carriers. Martin’s decorated career spans a wide range of roles, including director of Supply Chain Logistics for FD Stonewater, vice president of Marine and Terminal Operations for CMA-CGM, and chief operating officer of Pier 400, among others.

CFO

Ronald Wendel

With over 40 years of experience, of which over 25 years are in executive financial positions, Ronald Wendel serves as Chief Financial Officer, bringing expertise from both the public and private sectors and extensive experience in transportation, rail, and port operations. At the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), he was a key executive during the acquisition of the NOPB and worked to seamlessly integrate NOPB operations, culture, and investments with the Port. In addition, he worked to create a strategic growth plan for the combined organizations, including transformative capital investments and associated funding that included bonds, public-private partnerships, and grant funding. These investments have included major infrastructure projects, such as the Louisiana International Terminal, existing container operation expansions, and critical upgrades to rail, storage, and terminal facilities throughout the port and rail complexes. He also effectively managed both entities through challenges that included the global pandemic, hurricanes, and targeted growth investments. Ronald Wendel has also led efforts to modernize human resources, information technology, and procurement to support growth in organizations.

GENERAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Michael Bernstein

Michael began his career in railroading as manager of Yard Operations in Dupo, Illinois more than 16 years ago. Since then, Michael has journeyed all across the industry gathering a wealth of experience in railroad operations and management while cultivating a unique talent for establishing trusted advisor relationships with c-suite and board members. As the current general director of operations at Alameda Belt Line, Michael continues a history of industry success by expertly guiding logistics and operations to help improve transportation efficiency between San Pedro Bay ports and Redondo Junction.

GENERAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Mike Stolzman

M.D. (Mike) Stolzman began his railroad journey over 30 years ago after honorably serving in the U.S. Army as an artillery officer. He was recruited by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad (CNW) as an operations officer and later participated in the merger with the Union Pacific (UPRR) and Southern Pacific (SPRR) railroads. Mike eventually moved into the industrial switching arena with the Canadian National (CNRR) Railroad. Afterward, he transitioned into the “Shortline World” with Anacostia & Pacific Rail Holdings where he eventually was the president of three of their six properties. Most recently, Mike was the president/GM for the New Orleans Public Belt RR and chief operating officer for the Port of New Orleans.

DIRECTOR OF SECURITY

Chad Ellis

Chad Ellis brings 30 years of experience in law enforcement and homeland security to his role as Director of Security, with specialized expertise in field operations, port security, and multi-agency coordination. His career includes leadership roles at the Long Beach Police Department, where he served as Commander of the East Division, and at the Port of Long Beach, where he supervised law enforcement efforts at one of the nation’s most critical infrastructure hubs. A lifelong Long Beach resident and active community leader, Chad combines deep public safety experience and strong local ties.