Education Sessions

This session will review rail production in the U.S. covering domestic mills and a high-level view of what foreign markets are doing. North American demand in relation to Canada and Mexico will impact shortlines, which could be affected by the recent administration changes in the U.S. and Mexico.

SPEAKER(S):

Jim Huenefeldt, Executive Vice President Sales, A&K Railroad Materials

Panel discussion from a diverse group of engineering firms from across the rail network who will converse on their unique experiences assisting railroads, i.e. Class I’s, regional and short line partners, with outside party access requests. The panelists have vast experience with outside party projects, which are those projects funded by an agency as improvements involving the railroad’s property and could potentially impact the railroad’s current and future operations. Discussion points will include both crossings and encroachments requested by utility providers, public agencies and other parties.

MODERATOR(S):

Lucus Brewer, Geographic Discipline Leader/Rail, Colliers Engineering and Design

SPEAKER(S):

Michael Atzert, Rail Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell
Jason Murray, Vice President – Right of Way Services, RailPros
Christopher Frank, Public Projects Manager/Railroad Division, Alfred Benesch & Company
C. Michael Cooper, Geographic Discipline Leader/Rail, Colliers Engineering and Design

The FAMES committee has analyzed past fatalities involving RMMS. Those findings will be discussed, including the RMM - 1234 Focus Strategy to reduce RMM fatalities.

MODERATOR(S):

Kyle Kellem, Roadmaster/Emergency Manager, Tacoma Rail

SPEAKER(S):

Lance Hawks, Human Performance Specialist - Safety Partnerships Division, FRA
JR Gelnar, Vice President - Safety and Compliance, ASLRRA

FRA concurrence letter process for non-traditional locomotives, alternate fuels and propulsions systems.

SPEAKER(S):

Scott Myers, President & CEO , Optifuels
Kar Gasporov, FRA MP&E HQ, FRA
Curtis Sloan, VP Policy and Sustainability, Watco

Applying structured problem solving to environmental problems. We’ve all seen how some poor decision making can lead to disastrous consequences, learn an approach to problem solving that will lead to better problem solving and better outcomes.

SPEAKER(S):

Tom Murta, Executive Director, SLSI
Adrián González, CEO, The SmartForce Group, Inc.

Learn about the Incident Command System, a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response providing a common hierarchy within which responders from multiple agencies can be effective.

SPEAKER(S):

John Walsh, Director, Hazmat Programs, Short Line Safety Institute
Anthony Carbone, Hazmat Instructor, Short Line Safety Institute

Keep plastic resins out of the environment: new updates and tools for rail partners.

SPEAKER(S):

Alexandra Wallace, Manager, Plastics Sustainability, American Chemistry Council
Brendan Keener, Midwest & Bluegrass Rail

This session will cover the most current, pressing financial and tax issues impacting the short line railroad industry.

SPEAKER(S):

Rick Tidd, CPA/ABV/CGMA, CVA, CFF, Bowers CPAs & Advisors

Update on the current state of the economy and the key drivers. What does the road ahead look like, and where are the opportunities?

SPEAKER(S):

Dan Heckman, National Investment Consultant, US Bank

This session will address some of the unique challenges seen in the short line industry, impacts of TSA regulations, how to think about ROI for security investments, and what the future might hold.

SPEAKER(S):

Mark Grant, Ph.D., MBA, CISSP, RiskSec Group LLC

This roundtable will consist of finance professionals within the short line rail industry and the session content will consist of challenges and solutions they have each encountered with their companies.

MODERATOR(S):

Joe Mocciaro, Partner, Bowers CPAs & Advisors

SPEAKER(S):

Nicole Teska, Chief Financial Officer, Gulf and Ohio
Katie Masog, Director of Accounting, Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company
Jim Zubik, VP Finance and Administration, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company

With retirements, turnovers, and transitions expected to be on the rise in 2025, learn insights from industry leaders and railroad owners on the value and impact of succession planning. Discover essential methods and strategies to navigate talent acquisition and recruitment with a focus on streamlining processes, managing costs, candidate experience, fostering an inclusive environment, culture, and more. Boost retention in 2025 and beyond with a focus on onboarding, recognition and career development opportunities, strengthening leadership, managing risks, and more..

MODERATOR(S):

Bobbi Allen, Chief Administrative Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad
Andrea Malter, Chief Human Resource Officer, OmniTRAX

SPEAKER(S):

Ida Posner, VP Strategic Planning, Railroad Development Corporation
Dean Piacente, CEO, OmniTRAX
Tim Lopas, Executive Recruiter, Edna Rice Executive Recruiters
Merritt Canfield, CEO, Executive Recruiter, Meritus Executive Search Excellence LLC
Terry Harrison, Director, National Academy of Railroad Sciences, Johnson Country Community College
Rick Rittmaster, Principal, Strategic Talent Partners

Join our expert presenters to gain insight and guidance on industry hot topics, including what to do about many recent paid sick leave acts at the state level (and how employer policies can ensure that the RUIA preempts state PTO laws), hiring retired employees to work as independent contractors (pros and cons and what the RRB is looking for), and much more.

SPEAKER(S):

Tracey Donesky, Partner, Stinson LLP
Braden Smith, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC

Join Rebecca Mayhew, District Manager of the Railroad Retirement Board's Denver Office, for a review and discussion of retirement, disability, spouse and survivor benefits.

MODERATOR(S):

Andrea Malter, Chief Human Resource Officer, OmniTRAX

SPEAKER(S):

Rebecca C. Mayhew, District Manager, U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Denver DO

This panel will discuss the special challenges of retaining the best and the brightest leaders in our industry and creating a culture of continuous improvement within the workplace. In addition, we will present the results of our study of leadership competencies and characteristics of successful CEOs and corporate leaders from our Industry Founders project. The Transportation & Supply Chain Institute at the University of Denver delivers advanced learning for developing leaders in the Transportation space, including hundreds of alumni from the Railroad and Intermodal sides of the industry.

MODERATOR(S):

Patrick Sherry, PhD, Professor, National Center for Intermodal Studies

SPEAKER(S):

David Fisher, Executive Director, Transportation Institute, University of Denver Transportation & Supply Chain Institute
Sergio Sabatini, President & COO, OmniTRAX
David Hankins, Senior Director of Human Resources, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company

Current actions and cases before the Surface Transportation Board.

MODERATOR(S):

Onna Houck, General Counsel, Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.

SPEAKER(S):

Rob Wimbish, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel
John Fiorilla, Partner, Dyer & Peterson

Legal and ethical considerations for lawyers delving into the world of artificial intelligence.

MODERATOR(S):

Crystal Zorbaugh, Partner, Mullins Law Group

SPEAKER(S):

Torgny Nilsson, General Counsel, Sierra Northern Railway
Matt Fearing, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary, Transtar

Updates on the Railway Labor Act labor developments in the short line industry.

MODERATOR(S):

Onna Houck, General Counsel, Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.

SPEAKER(S):

Audrey Lane, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel

In the ICC Termination Act (ICCTA), to protect railroads from a patchwork of state and local regulations, Congress granted the Surface Transportation Board exclusive jurisdiction over “rail transportation.” In the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA), Congress expressly preempted most state and local laws that seek to regulate rail safety. While extremely broad in their preemptive scope, ICCTA and FRSA preemption are not unlimited and railroads are subject to a constant effort to chip away at preemption. This panel will explore the scope of preemption and challenges to its scope, including with respect to crew size, locomotive air emissions, construction, blocked crossings, passenger excursions, land use, and the maintenance and upkeep of facilities including bridges and rail right of way.

MODERATOR(S):

Crystal Zorbaugh, General Counsel, Mullins Law Group

SPEAKER(S):

David Rifkind, Partner, Stinson LLP
Bill Mullins, Partner, Mullins Law Group

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act released federal funds to build and improve critical infrastructure across the United States. It came with strings including specific domestic preference rules and called for long terms changes in what can be bought and used. Join Susan Warshaw Ebner, Partner and Co-Chair Government Contracts & Investigations practice group, Stinson LLP for an overview of the landscape of BABA and other domestic preference laws, rules and regulations and how the rules apply in projects with federal funding.

SPEAKER(S):

Susan Warsaw Ebner, Partner, Stinson LLP
Kelsey Robinson, Associate, Stinson LLP

This session will outline the basics of the CRISI competitive grant program: legal basis, eligibility, evaluation criteria, program award history and new developments.

During this session, we will discuss best practices for successfully delivering CRISI projects, including preparing for and navigating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance process. Presenters will focus on the post-award process and getting to obligation, as well as ways applicants can set themselves up for success pre-award.

Join us for this session where we will hear from state legislators and ASLRRA member company advocacy experts about the importance of grassroots advocacy to advance legislative goals on behalf of the short line industry. Learn how you can help and become more involved!

SPEAKER(S):

Ross Lane, AVP, Government Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc.
Ailsa Von Dobeneck, AVP, Government Relations, Watco
Mike Ogborn, President, Ogborn Consulting GroupSenator Byron Pelton, Senator (R-Senate District 1), Colorado State Senate

Join us for a session featuring industry government affairs professions as they discuss the 45G Tax Credit Modernization bill, the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, Federal Short Line Grant Funding, Rail Safety, and Truck Size & Weights. This will be a great prep session for 2025 Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.

MODERATOR:

Nicole Brewin, Vice President, Congressional Affairs, ASLRRA

SPEAKER(S):

Arielle Giordano, VP, Government & Industry Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc.
Laura McNichol, Senior VP & Chief Sustainability Officer, Watco
Richard Sherman, AVP, Policy and Industry Affairs, ASLRRA
Jo Strang, SVP, Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Policy, ASLRRA
Sarah Yurasko, SVP, Law & General Counsel, ASLRRA

Join popular speaker Tony Hatch for an engaging super session addressing 2025 rail trends and insights and including a panel discussion and audience Q&A with representatives from CN, CSX and BNSF.

SPEAKER(S):

Tony Hatch, Analyst, ABH Consulting
Patrick Lortie, SVP & Chief Strategy Officer, CN
Christina Bottomley, VP Business Development & Real Estate, CSX Transportation, Inc.
Angela Caddell, Group Vice President of Agricultural Products, BNSF Railway

Hear from 2025 Award Winning CEOs about how they have built business one carload, one customer, one investment at a time. This is a great opportunity for those new to marketing, and seasoned marketers to share experiences and advice! Come ready to participate.

SPEAKER(S):

Joe Gioe, President & CEO, The Indiana Rail Road Company
Matt McLaughlin, VP Business Development – Rail, Cathcart Rail
Mike Stickel, President & CEO, Lake State Railroad Company

This session will consist of multiple presentations regarding options to reduce locomotive emissions. The expert panel will provide details of their solution followed by a Q&A session.

MODERATOR(S):

Joe Bentrup, Mechanical Superintendent, Terminal Railroad Association

SPEAKER(S):

Milane Karunaratne, Vice President, Wabtec
Adam Franco, Senior Digital Product Manager, Wabtec
Joe Stack, Rail Business Development, Cummins, Inc.
Samir Nirula, Director, Medha
Aaron Jensen, SVP-Operation Solutions and Support, Watco
Amarjit Soora, Director, Product Management, ZTR
Greg Hall, CEO & General Counsel, Knoxville Locomotive Works
Joe Stack, Rail Business Development Leader North America, Cummins, Inc.
Ken Beard III, President and CEO, Sierra Northern Railway
Michael Faust, President, Velocity Strategies

Boxcar supply, freight car maintenance/repair and AAR billing will be discuss during this session.

MODERATOR(S):

Christine Galy Benson, Director of Mechanical Services, Inter-Rail Management, Inc.

SPEAKER(S):

Michael Wiley, General Manager - MID, MxV Rail

Examination of impact on grants and availability of railroad materials.

MODERATOR(S):

Lucas Brewer, Geographic Discipline Leader/Rail, Colliers Engineering & Design

SPEAKER(S):

Jim Huenefeldt, Executive VP-Sales, A&K Railroad Materials

Hear from industry leaders on best practices and cutting-edge tools to make the procurement/sourcing process more efficient.

SPEAKER(S):

Alan Matheson, Superintendent & COO, Tacoma Rail
Mark Bremmer, Senior Marketing Director, PS Technology

MxV Rail will provide an update on new facilities and operations that support innovation for Short Lines. The presentation will provide an overview of services available and highlight projects that have benefited the short line community.

SPEAKER(S):

Maureen Werner, VP, Engineering Services, MxV Rail

Learn more about what is new and coming in the regulatory environments (FRA, PHMSA, OSHA) focus on safety.

SPEAKER(S):

Jo Strang, SVP, Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Policy, ASLRRA

This session will explore adult learning and how to develop techniques and processes to train your trainers. Learn how to develop your trainers for the successful education of your workforce.

SPEAKER(S):

Travis Herod, VP of Safety, Watco
JR Gelnar, Vice President, Safety and Compliance, ASLRRA

Join us for a discussion about the most common defects and violations on short lines, and hear directly from the FRA about their enforcement priorities for 2025.

SPEAKER(S):

Adam Giovando, Staff Director - SMT-8, FRA
Steve Dupont, SMT-8 Deputy Administrator, FRA
Mikel Cipollini, SMT - 2, Deputy Administrator, FRA

Learn about innovative new approaches to business application development utilizing AI and other advanced tools being utilized at Rio Grande & Pacific.

SPEAKER(S):

Curt Oelmann, Director of IT, Rio Grande & Pacific Corporation

Get updated on recent advances in railroad telematic technologies that are improving the ability for railroads to monitor their equipment and operations on a continuous basis, and provide key insights to improve customer service.

MODERATOR(S):

Alex Lang, CIO, Transtar LLC

SPEAKER(S):

Aage Lindstad, Senior Director - Professional Services, Wabtec Corporation
Connie Nordhues-Bieber, VP - Customer Engagement, RailSpire
Greg Wilson, Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad

Come see examples and techniques being utilized across the industry to utilize data to improve railroad operations and safety, and create visualizations that allow stakeholders to quickly digest key data points and trends.

MODERATOR(S):

Leah Twombly, Interim Head of IT, OmniTRAX

SPEAKER(S):

Alex Lang, CIO, Transtar LLC
Kayden Howard, Senior Vice President Health, Safety, and Environmental Programs, OmniTRAX
Steve Friedland, President, Short Line Data Systems, Inc.

Explore Rail Radio View, Wi-Tronix's innovative safety solution that delivers real-time rail data, cab audio, and searchable AI-generated transcriptions in a single view. The cloud-based technology empowers safer operations by providing unparalleled visibility into cab radio communications.

SPEAKER(S):

Chad Jasmin, VP of Sales and Customer Experience, Wi-Tronix

Join this live Q&A panel featuring industry veterans who bring years of experience navigating the short line railroad landscape. These seasoned leaders will share invaluable lessons, time-tested strategies, and insider perspectives on overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the rail industry. With their wealth of knowledge, they’ll address your questions and provide actionable insights to help you drive success. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the experts in our industry!

MODERATOR(S):

Chelsea Sweet, Bowers CPAs & Advisors

SPEAKER(S):

Mike Ogborn, President, Ogborn Consulting Group
Judy Petry, Board Member, Farmrail Systems and Board Vice Chair, Alaska Railroad
Mitch Harris, VP Safety & Compliance, Rio Grande Pacific
Jim Huenefeldt, Executive Vice President Sales, A&K Railroad Materials

Small businesses face unique and often unseen technology challenges, from outdated systems to integrating modern solutions on a budget — but with the right solutions, these obstacles can become opportunities. Learn how to streamline operations, enhance safety, and improve customer service with cost-effective technology solutions, even what integrating AI might look like. Don’t let unseen obstacles derail your progress — discover the tools and approaches that can help your business stay on track can drive your business forward!

MODERATOR(S):

Jared Childress

SPEAKER(S):

Aage Lindstad, Solutions Architect, Wabtec
Andrew Hollister, President & CEO, SimpleTech
Kellie Sisler, CEO, Top Rail Solutions

Join this engaging panel discussion featuring four seasoned professionals who have mastered the art of building meaningful connections. Discover diverse perspectives and actionable strategies for turning networking into a powerful tool for business growth and personal success. From navigating challenges to leveraging relationships for long-term impact, our experts will share stories, tips, and practical advice to help you make networking work for you.

MODERATOR(S):

Amber Brown, Business Development & Marketing, Top Rail Solutions

SPEAKER(S):

Joey Evans, Director of Business Support & Development, TNW Corporation
Shea McLaughlin, Senior Director of Sales, PS Technology
Jodi Heath, Vice President of Business Development, The Indiana Rail Road Company
Chelsea Sweet, Outsourced Controller/Railroad Specialist, Bowers CPAs