Let's hope for the best!

https://railfan.com/steamtown-gets-new-superintendent/

John

Here's the USN bio of Capt. Komasz:

https://www.usscleveland.org/team/jeremy-komasz/

And nps/stea:

https://www.nps.gov/stea/learn/news/kom ... coming.htm

Phil Mulligan

Very impressive. And, I'd imagine, you wouldn't want to piss him off........ Hope he doesn't get too frustrated with the limitations that will be imposed on him from above.

I'm encouraged by this appointment and hope Capt. Komasz is prepared to make a long-term commitment.

The best and most experienced senior managers demonstrate capabilities and skills in "managing UP" as they move their organizations toward completion of their essential mission(s). The value of team experience cannot be understated.

In the example of Steamtown, this relates to resources, starting with the effective conservation and use of the resources they have. Beyond that, my hope is that in due course Steamtown may at last demonstrate excellence in the achievement of its mission.

Count me as an optimist.

Doesn't seem like the ideal leader for Steamtown but I wish them all the best. They have a fantastic collection and incredible potential. But there seems to be some type of curse on the place.

Can you actually provide a reason that you might think he's "not ideal". Certainly you can provide more than a visceral reaction to buttress such a conclusion.

From my perspective with 20+ years of time there; the "ideal leader" doesn't exist, if for no other reason than you need a turn-around expert with extensive experience in dealing with obstinate government bureaucratic environments, a healthy knowledge of railroad history, the mechanics of steam era railroad equipment and and knowledge of modern operations for starters and I can't begin to imagine where you'll find that combination of skills in one person.

However, as a Navy Seal, he has a demonstrated that he is among a very select group of people with the ability to lead teams even when the mission is dynamic and subject to the worst possible physical and operational conditions-and with the worst possible adversaries. Seals and other special forces members distinguish themselves by doing those things that would break other people just contemplating their missions.

There is a ponderous list of accumulated problems in Scranton; specifically the on-going physical plant issues that caused the closure of most buildings; the backlog of maintenance on locomotives and rolling stock, the recent dissolution of long standing partnerships and the ill-will that created, a paid and volunteer roster that was allowed to be diminished through age-and with those departures the loss of a carefully nurtured culture that keep us coming back year after year, driving hours to arrive. And then there is the emergence of competition-especially in the form of the Reading and Northern that makes for a difficult environment all on its own.

This year will mark 30 years since the Grand Opening and we still don't know what "success" looks like to the NPS, because in spite of all the energy and ink spilled to produce "comprehensive interpretive plans" and "foundation documents"; the type of knowledge from people that were staff and volunteers of that time was not secured and passed on. It's been twelve years since there was a steam excursion, and most of the engineers (Corwin, O'Brien, Patterson) have retired and passed away. There might be one or two shop employees who remember what it was like to have two road locomotives plus the 26 under steam. There simply isn't enough operational volume with 20 excursions per year to develop new people.

I do wish him the best. I assume all of his skills will be necessary and I think people should give him at least 2-3 years to become oriented. It took a long time to find a candidate and since Steamtown is so unusual in the park system, it's good that they expanded their search beyond career internal staff-a Civil War site offers precious little relevant experience that could be leveraged in Scranton.

I would really love to know what the mission was that he accepted. Is it expansive or retractive?

Of course if he doesn't succeed, Steamtown will almost certainly fade to static. Nobody with any right-minded judgment will not want to take the helm after one of the guys who was one of the type tasked with eliminating Bin Laden couldn't prevail.

Sure - unless I missed something (which I certainly may have) he doesn’t have experience in leading any museums or public facilities.

But as I said - I wish him all the luck - he did mention that he’s interested in machines and is looking forward to learning about the collection - maybe he’ll catch the foamer bug! Haha

IMHO we'd be well served if we take what Superheater says seriously. He has years of experience trying to help Steamtown to achieve its stated mission and knows first hand where all the bodies are buried.

As I see it the good news is that there's a near 100% chance the place will stay open and at least do a decent job educating folks on the vital role steam played in America's growth, the bad news is that there's a near 100% chance that it will never be the home of active mainline steam demonstrating the magic of steam up close and personal.

Gratefully, not far away, thanks to owner Andy Muller the R&N RR is doing a world class job demonstrating mainline steam so that base is well covered.

Let's hope that the new guy will see the potential in working with the Iron Horse group and use that partnership to at least enhance some their live steam offerings.

Hope springs eternal. Ross Rowland

Frankly, who cold be worse than what Steamtown has experienced? A person with appreciation for machinery and mechanical devices, the purpose and brilliance of design might be the ticket. Give the man a chance and offer encouragement.

This is risible. Steamtown has had multiple previous Superintendents, starting with the late Terry Gess and most recently with Cherie Shepherd that were immersed in managing museums and sought to impose museum attitudes, habits and methods.

How's that worked out?

I replied with my personal opinion based on the news - that's all. :) I'm not attempting to argue or prove a point.

This is RYPN - arguments will undoubtedly ensue regardless...

For what it's worth-the new superintendent is a Navy SEAL (all caps; it's an acronym, for SEa/Air/Land, the environments they have to work in). No guarantees on anything, but a SEAL is tough, persistent, intelligent, and innovative (I've worked with them in the past, but I am NOT one; rather, a retired Navy logistician). And since he is a reservist, he has to juggle his 'day job' and his Reserve duties. Since he's been promoted to O-6 (Navy captain; same as Army/USMC/USAF colonel), I suspect he can juggle just fine.

Admittedly, doing battle with the USPS bureaucracy on reopening Steamtown buildings, repairing/fostering relationships with would-be volunteers, and more-that's a tall order for anyone.

What about you? Do you find it ... RISIBLE when I say the name...

The two most important qualities a new Superintendent at STEA needs are:
1. The ability and willingness to hold people accountable, including themselves.
2. The integrity to provide air cover for the staff so that reasonable risk-taking and thinking out of the box is encouraged. No kicking down and kissing up.
This gentleman's background appears to indicate that he may have these attributes. If so, then hopefully it is not too late for the many decaying artifacts that litter the site.