L.B. Foster congratulates John Cotter, General Manager Commercial Management - Americas, on His Retirement.

(L-R) Louisa Stanlake, Marco Santoro, John Cotter, Bill Zimmer, Jason Bowlin, Shayne Meyers, and Gulliver Turple.

John joined L.B. Foster in 2010 as part of the Portec Rail acquisition. He brought with him experience from Portec Rail UK, Kelsan Technologies, and Union Carbide. During his time with the company, he served as an R&D Manager, later becoming Product Manager, and ultimately, Commercial Manager for Friction Management activities for the Americas.

Among John’s proudest accomplishments is helping introduce the concept of Top of Rail Friction Management to the North American market as part of the original KELSAN team. He also led the execution of the Total Friction Management strategy, growing sales throughout the Class I rail market. These projects are memorable in his career, but John is quick to credit their success to collaboration and teamwork across the entire company.  

When reflecting on challenges he has faced throughout his career, John stated that difficult situations are simply a part of both work and life. “If we didn’t have challenges, our work life would be boring!”

John’s advice to those early in their career is equally as thoughtful, “Understand the market as well as the company’s strategy for creating value... My second piece of advice is to not forget the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving your own, and the company's, successes... Last piece of advice, don't shy away from challenges. There is no better feeling of personal satisfaction when a challenge is successfully met, especially as part of a team.”

To celebrate John’s retirement, a couple of Class I customers shared reflections on the impact he has made throughout his career. Their comments included, "John's professionalism, reliability, and commitment to excellence have consistently made a difference. You've certainly left a lasting impression on me, and you will be greatly missed," and "your leadership was essential in helping to revive and grow our FM program into what it is today. I think the attributes that have made you so successful is your patience and a keen ability to actively listen to the customer's needs."

As John enters retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends.

A celebration was held in John’s honor on June 10, 2026, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to recognize his accomplishments and celebrate his career.

Thank you, John, for your many years of dedicated service to L.B. Foster. We wish you a long and happy retirement!