As executive director of the Railway Tie Association since 1995, James Gauntt has spent more than 25 years working to ensure the industry remains safe, efficient and, in few words, the best it can be. With a career spanning more than 40 years, he has amassed a remarkable record of success, including publishing RTA’s Crossties magazine, conducting training sessions on tie grading, and hosting the RTA Annual Symposium and Technical Conference. Gauntt is also the published author of numerous articles, papers and publications on the subject of wood tie research and treated wood tie performance, and is a frequent speaker on wood preserving and tie industry subjects.