Canton Development Board names Paul A. Barnes President & Chief Executive Officer

The Canton Development Company Board of Directors has named Paul A. Barnes as President & CEO, effective May 1, 2023. The company provides rail switching and logistic services in Baltimore and Cecil County, Maryland.

This leadership change follows the decision by John C. Magness to retire effective June 30, 2023, after 27 years at the company and a total of nearly 43 years in the railroad industry. The Board expressed its appreciation for Mr. Magness’ efforts in directing the company and wishes him well in retirement.

Mr. Barnes will direct Canton Development Company, a holding company, and its subsidiaries, Canton Railroad Company, established in 1906, and Freestate Logistic Services, Inc., created in 2006, as Chief Executive of the three firms. He will also serve on its Board of Directors.   Mr. Barnes has 30 years of logistics experience, including 27 years in the railroad industry with CSX Transportation in Jacksonville, Florida, Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad in North Carolina, and Genesee & Wyoming Railroad in Rochester, New York. He will be relocating to Maryland.

Mr. Barnes is a Graduate of the University of Maryland, with a B.S. in Transportation and an M.B.A. in Logistics from the University of North Florida.

“We are fortunate to have someone following my tenure that has the background and experience of Paul”, said Mr. Magness. “The company is well positioned to move forward with his leadership”.

Canton Railroad is a Class III shortline switching railroad with offices in Baltimore, Maryland. Freestate Logistic Services, Inc is a contract rail carrier serving the Principio Business Park in Perryville, Maryland.