Anella Popo has been a member of the Amtrak team for 23 years, and started her career as an attendant on the Auto Train. Since then she has worked as a Ticket Agent, Station Manager, District Manager, Director of Long Distance, and is now the Superintendent of On Board Service in New York City. While working for Amtrak, Popo earned her MBA in 2013. When not at work, she enjoys traveling (sometimes by train), trying new foods, and running.
Amtrak Employee Stories: Anella
Anella Popo has been a member of the Amtrak team for 23 years, and started her career as an attendant on the Auto Train. Since then she has worked as a Ticket Agent, Station Manager, District Manager, Director of Long Distance, and is now the Superintendent of On Board Service in New York City. While working for Amtrak, Popo earned her MBA in 2013. When not at work, she enjoys traveling (sometimes by train), trying new foods, and running.
Employees at Amtrak: Anella
Amtrak Employee Stories: Anella
Anella Popo has been a member of the Amtrak team for 23 years, and started her career as an attendant on the Auto Train. Since then she has worked as a Ticket Agent, Station Manager, District Manager, Director of Long Distance, and is now the Superintendent of On Board Service in New York City. While working for Amtrak, Popo earned her MBA in 2013. When not at work, she enjoys traveling (sometimes by train), trying new foods, and running.
What do you do at Amtrak, and what is typical day like?
In my role as Superintendent, I am accountable for the managers, supervisors, and employees who provide exceptional service to our passengers on the NEC. My responsibility includes Safety, Customer Service and Financial Stewardship for the service. In addition, I have 3 Long Distance Trains that provide service between New York and Chicago, the Cardinal, Capitol Limited, and the Lakeshore Limited.
On the railroad there’s no such thing a normal day. Sometimes I travel by train to the following cities, Albany, Boston, Chicago, Richmond, and Washington. Sometimes I meet passengers in the station during the holidays or service disruptions. A typical day is really just working with the various departments to improve our passengers experience while on our trains.
What is your favorite part about working for Amtrak?
I enjoy meeting our passengers and loved hearing about their experience while traveling by Amtrak.
When I worked on the train there were many people that would come back every year and would remember me. They would write letters to the company and say how much they enjoyed the service, and they came back because of that. It really makes you feel good.
What accomplishment while working for Amtrak has made you the proudest?
My proudest moment was being nominated for, and receiving, the President’s Safety and Service Award for Excellence in Leadership in 2014 when I worked as the Route Director for the City of New Orleans and the Crescent in New Orleans.
[The President’s Service and Safety Award honors Amtrak employees who perform far beyond the expected duties and responsibilities of their jobs and who make outstanding contributions to improve the efficiency, economy, safety and service of Amtrak's operations, as well as embrace the values of the corporation.]
What advice would you give to someone looking for a job at Amtrak?
Come with an open mind because Amtrak has a great deal of opportunities for growth in a host of positions.
