Alleanza Rail
Alleanza Rail crew in hi-vis at an industrial rail yard at dusk
MEET THE TEAM

Who We Are

The proof is in our people.

Our Foundations

A Culture of Safety and Reliability

Alleanza Rail is built by people who have spent their careers in and around freight rail—switching, mechanical, operations, and logistics. That depth of hands-on experience is what lets us find the demurrage and dwell problems others miss, and fix them safely.

We are an employee-driven company based near Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to safe, efficient, and cost-effective rail solutions for Class I railroads, shippers, and industrial customers across the Southeast.

[ PRIOR EXPERIENCE ]
BNSF RAILWAYWABTEC / SCTSOUTHERN COMPANYSTANDARD STEEL

Leadership Team

Leadership & Mechanical Operations

Leo Ounanian, Jr.

Owner & President

Leo began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant and is the entrepreneurial force behind Alleanza Rail, where he serves as President and Owner. With over three decades of business experience, Leo has demonstrated success in strategic leadership and operational management.

From 1992 to 2018, Leo started two integrated liquid waste services companies in Houston, TX, which he later successfully sold, showcasing his ability to build and scale businesses effectively. Following this, he assumed the role of Vice President of Business Development at American Allwaste Corp., and eventually recruited as CEO, where he has driven unification and stability, with an emphasis on operating efficiency and profitability.

Leo is dedicated to bringing his substantial expertise in safety and service to the forefront of the railcar repair industry. His leadership focuses on embedding top-tier safety protocols and delivering unparalleled service quality by focusing on the customer, aiming to set new standards in the industry.

Leo’s financial acumen and seasoned leadership ensure that Alleanza Rail not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its clients, prioritizing safety and reliability above all else. His vision is to innovate and lead with integrity, making Alleanza Rail a trusted partner in the rail services sector.

info@alleanzarail.com

Anna Katherine Ray

Vice President of Business Development & Marketing

Anna Katherine is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development across several industries. She currently serves as the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Alleanza Rail. In her role, Anna Katherine is responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market presence, and fostering strategic partnerships.

Beyond her role at Alleanza Rail, Anna Katherine is the owner of ARK Designs, a construction and design consultancy that she founded in 2006. ARK Designs specializes in residential and small-scale commercial projects, providing personalized and innovative solutions to her clients.

Anna Katherine’s passion for community service is exemplified through her volunteer efforts to help establish a Girls on the Run Gulf Coast council, located in Mobile, Alabama then leading in to acting Executive Director over the council. In this role, she excelled in advertising management, grant writing, diversity program development, marketing, and fundraising, making a lasting impact in the Mobile area community it served.

From January 2022 to May 2023, Anna Katherine also held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SDAC Rail Services, a minority owned, general construction and maintenance-of-way company located in Selma, Alabama.

Anna Katherine’s multifaceted career reflects her dedication to both professional excellence and community engagement.

annakray@alleanzarail.com

Bill Huffman

Chief Operations Officer

Bill is a seasoned legal and rail services professional with 25 years of experience in the railcar repair and industrial switching industry. As the Chief Operations Officer at Alleanza Rail, Bill oversees all operational aspects of the company, ensuring excellence in service delivery and adherence to safety standards.

Before joining Alleanza Rail, Bill was the Founder and Vice President of RailConnection, an industrial switching company he led from 1999 to 2023. During this time, he also served as the Vice President of Transportation Services, primarily focusing on railcar repair operations. His leadership in these roles drove significant business growth and operational efficiency.

In 2008, Bill co-founded WheelWorx, a full-service freight car wheel set supplier with offices in Calera, AL, and Pekin, IL. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality have established WheelWorx as a reputable provider within the industry.

Bill’s career began in law, with a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance from the University of Alabama. He practiced privately in Birmingham, AL, and served as an enforcement attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC. His legal expertise has been instrumental in navigating the regulatory landscape of the rail services industry.

Bill’s blend of legal acumen and extensive industry experience positions him as a leader committed to operational excellence, strategic growth, and customer satisfaction in the rail services sector.

info@alleanzarail.com

Matt Hall

Vice President of Operations

Matt Hall is a rail industry professional with extensive experience spanning 18 years. Currently serving as Vice President of Operations at Alleanza Rail, Matt has made significant contributions in railcar repair, quality assurance and safety, demonstrating expertise in railcar maintenance and customized solutions for customers specific needs.

Matt started his career as a journeyman carman, prior to being promoted to a mechanical foreman position at BNSF Railway. His responsibilities included scheduling and managing the railcar repair facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Throughout his time in management at BNSF, his responsibilities grew to include derailment investigations and quality assurance auditing at several locations throughout the southeast. Matt was hired in February of 2010 by Transportation Services, Inc as a Plant Manager for their Plant Miller facility. Under his leadership the facility flourished in safety, production and quality breaking company records in each area. Many of the policies, designed and introduced by Matt, were brought to other Transportation Services facilities due to the positive impacts created at the Plant Miller facility.

Matt joined Alleanza Rail in October of 2023, bringing his high energy and passion to provide innovative solutions to an age-old industry.

mhall@alleanzarail.com

Mark Gawronski

Senior Sales Director

Mark brings 29 yrs of experience in the rail industry. Prior to joining Alleanza Rail, he worked as Vice President of Sales at Standard Steel Burnham, PA, selling wheels and axles for freight cars & locomotives.

He started his sales career in 1995 with Standard Car Truck Company , later being acquired by Wabtec, where he worked for a total of 18 yrs. Additionally, Mark spent 2 years as Vice President of sales for Lejak & Associates as a Manufacture Representative in the rail industry.

mgawronski@alleanzarail.com

Kareem Flemming

Director of Maintenance

Kareem Flemming is the Director of Maintenance at Alleanza Rail, bringing over 16 years of experience in the railcar industry. Before joining Alleanza Rail, Kareem held a key role at Transportation Services Inc., where he managed the repair and maintenance of Southern Company's rail fleet. In his current role, Kareem oversees all aspects of maintenance, repair, and facilities management, providing leadership and strategic direction to ensure the efficient operation of Alleanza Rail’s repair business. His expertise and guidance are essential to the company’s continued success and operational excellence.

kflemming@alleanzarail.com