October 2023 NRC Bulletin

October 31, 2023

Interested in seeing what the NRC Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibition is all about? Take a look at the Conference highlights video below:

Early-bird registration discount for conference and booths end tomorrow!

The NRC Conference has confirmed the following speakers for the general sessions, with more speakers to be announced in the coming weeks:

• Arielle Giordano, Managing Director US Gov't Affairs, CPKC
• Bart Chevreaux, Engineering Services Manager, Vulcan Materials
• Brent Laing, VP of Engineering, CN
• Carl Walker, VP of Engineering, CSX
• Cory Johnson, Specialist, Railroad Safety Partnerships, FRA
• Craig Rasmussen, AVP of Engineering Services & Structures, BNSF
• Daniel Stout, VP, STX Railroad Construction Services
• David Woodruff, AVP, Head U.S. Public & Government Affairs, CN
• Ean Johnson, Vice President, Economic Development, OmniTRAX
• Ed Boyle, VP of Engineering, NS
• Ed Sparks, Chief Engineer - Bridges, Design & Construction, CSX
• Francois Belanger, Senior Director Sustainability, CN
• Janice R. Thomas, Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs, Metra
• Jay McAndrew, General Director Signal, UP
• Jennifer Mitchell, Deputy Administrator, FRA
• Jerad Fritz, AVP Signals, BNSF
• Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MxV
• Kristine Storm, VP of Purchasing, G&W
• Lance Hawks, Specialist, Railroad Safety Partnerships, FRA
• Laura McNichol, SVP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Watco
• Matt Foot, AVP Strategic Procurement & Supply, CPKC
• Melissa Connolly, Assistant Vice President, Government Affairs, AAR
• Paul Leonards, VP of Project Management, Watco
• Rob Castiglione, Staff Director, Railroad Safety Partnerships, FRA
• Russell Rohlfs, VP of Engineering, UP
• Shelly Huckfeldt, Regional Manager Economic and Industrial Development, UP
• Steven Vant, Assistant Chief Engineer – Signal Maintenance and Construction, Conrail
• Tim Rich, Regional VP of Engineering – West Region, Patriot Rail
• Tom Hilliard, Chief S&C, CN
• Tom Holmes, Vice President – Purchasing & Materials, Watco
• Tony Hatch, Senior Transportation Analyst, ABH Consulting
• Zac Vallos, VP Engineering, OmniTRAX

Schedule-At-A-Glance

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Registration: 8:00 am - 7:30 pm

Exhibitor Set-up: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Reception in Exhibit Hall: 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Thursday, January 4, 2024

General Session: 7:00 am - 8:45 am; 10:15 am - 12:15 pm

Exhibits: 8:45 am - 10:15 am, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm; 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Seminars: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Friday, January 5, 2024

General Session: 7:00 am - 11:00 am

Exhibits Tear Down: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Golf and Trap Shooting (additional registration required): 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Saturday, January 6, 2024

General Session: 7:30 am - 12:15 pm

Finale Reception: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

L.B Foster Sports Party: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

To view a conference program for the NRC 2024 Conference, please click here.

Lodging: The NRC 2024 Conference will take place at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, AZ. The NRC room block rate is $289.00/night++. All rooms must be guaranteed with a non-refundable deposit for the first night’s room and tax. Once you register for the NRC Conference, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to book your room in the block.

Golf Tournament: The NRC 2024 Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, January 5th at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium (home to the PGA Tour's famous Waste Management Open) and Champion courses. At this time, we are SOLD OUT at the Stadium Course. As note, due to course constraints, we are limited to only 256 players. To register for the 2023 NRC Golf Tournament, please click here. Limited availability for the Champion Course remains. You must be registered for the conference to participate in this event. 

Trap Shooting Event: The NRC’s 2024 Trap Shooting Event will be held on Friday, January 5th at the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility from 1pm to 3pm. The Trap Shooting Event registration fee includes roundtrip bus transportation, water/snacks, firearm rentals, ammo, eye and ear protection, and a licensed professional at each stand. This event is open to all experience levels. To register for the 2024 NRC Trap Shooting Event, please click here. You must be registered for the conference to participate in this event. 

Questions? Please contact mmcgonagle@nrcma.org or visit https://www.nrcma.org/events/nrc-remsa-annual-conference

2024 NRC Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibit Sponsorships Still Available!

Exhibit Hall: Exhibit space for the 2024 NRC-REMSA Exhibition is on sale now. There are still booths available, but they are going fast! Click the below links for more details:

• Registration - Click here to sign up for your booth online
• Floor Plan - Click here for a floorplan

For questions regarding the NRC-REMSA Exhibition and reserving your booth, please contact Heidi Baker at (202) 844-6126 or by email at baker@remsa.org. 

An exhibit booth fee table can be found by clicking here

Event Sponsorships: Sponsorships are filling up fast, and you do not want to miss the opportunity to reserve your organization's sponsorship. Sponsor benefits include:

• Sponsor ribbon on conference badges
• Sponsor recognition on the NRC website in lead-up to the Conference
• Sponsor recognition in NRC Conference emails to attendees, and NRC monthly bulletin
• Signage with your company logo throughout the venue 
• Recognition at the event
• Your company logo featured in the Digital NRC Conference Program Guide.

For questions regarding the 2024 NRC event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Michael McGonagle at (202) 975-0365 or by email at mmcgonagle@nrcma.org. 

Thank you to our NRC 2024 Conference Sponsors!

Policy on Entertainment - The NRC Board of Directors has adopted a Policy on Entertainment to provide all NRC Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibition ("Conference") attendees an equal opportunity to participate in the entertainment of our railroad, transit, commuter, passenger and other customers, speakers, and guests.

The Policy applies to events in connection with the Conference. During this timeframe, private hospitality events on or off the Conference premises are not permitted and no organized private entertainment is permitted while conference proceedings or events are occurring. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the common hospitality events and may not organize events that compete with the conference program.

All Attendees are expected to comply with this Policy. By registering for the Conference, you are certifying that all representatives and associates who are attending the Conference on behalf of your organization have been notified of this Policy and will observe and abide by it.

‍Scam Alert -We ask conference attendees to be vigilant of scams, including any solicitations via email that offer hotel deals or registration lists on behalf of the NRC. These groups are not affiliated with the NRC. Please check the NRC website or email NRC staff directly for the most up-to-date conference information.

NRC 2024 Conference Updates: Seminars, and Breakout Sessions also announced!

The following seminars and breakout sessions on have been confirmed for the NRC 2023 Conference:

• FRA Update: Deep Dive into Periodic Oversight with Rob Castiglione, Staff Director, Railroad Safety Partnerships, FRA; Cory Johnson, Specialist, Railroad Safety Partnerships, FRA; Lance Hawkins, Specialist, Railroad Safety Partnerships, FRA
• Genesee & Wyoming "Speed Networking." This event is first come, first serve. To register, please click here.
• Norfolk Southern "Speed Networking." This event is first come, first serve. To register, please click here.
• Union Pacific "Speed Networking." This event is first come, first serve. To register, please click here.

NRC Members: The NRC 2023 Awards deadline extended to November 15!

The NRC's annual Innovation in Technology Award is now open. This award honors and recognizes innovation and unique technologies, or technological services, created or implemented by an NRC member company. Eligible technologies or related services include grade crossings, RWP, contractor safety, freight rail, industrial track, rail transit, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, rail on port facilities and rail on military facilities. To view the Innovation in Technology Award application please click here. 

The annual NRC Safety Award recognizes NRC member organizations and their continued commitment to safety and safe practices. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor that safety commitment that NRC Members continually practice on a daily basis. Please click here to access and submit the NRC Safety Award. 

The NRC Railroad Construction Project of the Year Awards recognize exemplary NRC member projects in two categories, the Large Project Category (projects with budgets over $10 million) and the Small Project Category (projects with budgets of $10 million or less). All types of rail construction projects are eligible for the awards and the purpose is to honor innovation, expertise, and quality project management. Please click here to access and submit the NRC Railroad Construction Project of the Year Award. 



The NRC Field Employee of the Year Award recognizes a field employee employed by a contractor member companies who exhibits exemplary performance during the year. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor the rail contracting employee who has demonstrated the most dedication and excellence in his/her field. Please click here to access and submit the NRC Field Employee of the Year Award.

The NRC also encourages members to nominate individuals to the NRC Hall of Fame. The purpose of the NRC Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the NRC and the rail construction and maintenance industry. The criteria to be nominated is an individual must be a current or former employee or owner of an NRC member company is eligible for induction to the Hall of Fame. Members will be inducted according to the decision of the NRC Hall of Fame Induction Committee. To nominate someone for the NRC Hall of Fame, please click here. 



All winners will be recognized at the NRC 2024 Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

NRC Chairman's Column: Good News for Navigating the Sustainability Landscape

NRC Members, ICYMI: Check out NRC Chairman Steve Bolte’s column in the October issue of Progressive Railroading magazine. Chairman Bolte acknowledges the increased focus on “responsible” business practices in the railway industry and announces the formation of the NRC’s Sustainability Committee. Chaired by Martinus North America’s President Brett Urquhart, the Committee will focus on providing our member companies with resources to understand and respond to sustainability trends and global requirements.To read the Chairman's Column, please click here.

L.B. Foster Hosts Congressman Mike Carey for Tour of Dublin, Ohio Facility

On October 16, Dublin, Ohio – L.B. Foster Company hosted U.S. House of Representatives Member Mike Carey (OH-15) for a tour of the company’s Dublin, Ohio facility. L.B. Foster provides rail, construction, and energy markets with innovative solutions to build and maintain their critical infrastructure. Rep. Carey currently serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, as well as on the Ways and Means Subcommittees on Work and Welfare, and Social Security. Additionally, Rep. Carey serves on the Committee on House Administration.

“It was a great experience hosting Rep. Carey and his staff at our facility. Being able to showcase our technologies and products to show how we strive to make the rail industry safer is paramount to our mission as a company,” said William Treacy, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at L.B. Foster. “Hosting the Congressman at our Dublin facility was a terrific time; it was especially great to showcase how the WILD IV technology is providing tangible safety benefits to our customers,” added Michael O’Connell, General Manager – Salient for L.B. Foster Company. To read more about this event, please click here.

NRC Board of Director member Erika Bruhnke promoted to Chief Sales and Growth Officer



On October 26, Texas based RailPros announced that it has promoted Erika Bruhnke to Chief Sales and Growth Officer.

Erika Bruhnke joined RailPros in 2018 as the Vice President of Training Services, after working in progressively expanding roles for BNSF Railway for a decade. Chief Executive Officer of RailPros, Ken Koff, shared that "Erika's leadership of RailPros' Training Service business unit has been remarkable" and that Erika Bruhnke developed the RailPros training division into a strong team of professionals, that have lead business growth and favorably impacted safety across North America.

"I am excited for this next step and am eager to represent the amazing and talented people of Team RailPros," said Erika Bruhnke, Chief Sales and Growth Officer for RailPros. "From this new perspective, I look forward to strengthening client relationships and will continue to advocate for the RailPros brand across the industry." To read more regarding Erika Bruhnke's focus in this new role, please click here.

Rising Stars 2023: Michael McGonagle



Progressive Railroading has announced that Michael McGonagle, Vice President of Government Affairs for the NRC and REMSA, is among 25 professionals selected as 2023 Rising Stars of the North American railroad industry.

Progressive Railroading defines a Rising Star as someone under the age of 40 who has made, or is making, a positive impact on his or her company, organization, department or team, and is viewed by others — peers, colleagues, supervisors, clients or associates — as an up-and-coming leader in the rail industry.

The award winners were chosen based on their contributions to the railroad industry, career achievements, demonstrated leadership, professional association activity or community involvement. Progressive Railroading readers submitted nominations for more than 130 individuals who work for Class Is, regionals, short lines, passenger railroads, transit agencies, government entities, associations, engineering firms, contractors, or suppliers. To read Michael McGonagle's profile on Progressive Railroading, please click here.

FTA Seeks Public Comments on Transit Worker Hours of Service and Fatigue Management Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.



An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on Transit Worker Hours of Service and Fatigue Risk Management in the Federal Register to request feedback and comments from a wide array of stakeholders, including the public and industry was announced by the FTA.

To date, there are no Federal minimum standards for hours of service and fatigue risk management programs in the transit industry. Transit worker fatigue has been identified as an area of concern by The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FTA stakeholders, and research shows that fatigue can have a detrimental effect on transit worker performance.

The requested feedback will help FTA better understand current practices, priorities and requirements, as well as the costs and benefits of developing Federal requirements. FTA will use the information received in response to the ANPRM to inform FTA’s future decision-making on whether and how to pursue Federal regulatory action. The ANPRM will be open for comments until Friday, December 29, 2023. To view more information regarding the notice, please click here. 

Panel calls on WMATA to address safety of Metrorail roadway-maintenance program

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission today issued a report on its audit of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) roadway-maintenance machine (RMM) program for the Metrorail system. Following the audit, the commission issued four findings that will require WMATA to develop corrective-action plans. The audit found that Metrorail does not ensure adequate fall protection for people working on or around RMMs, effectively track and mitigate hazards related to RMM programs, document its practices regarding adjustments to its contractor RMM-inspection procedures, and have a process and assigned resources to inspect and maintain the hi-rail gear on hi-rail vehicles owned by WMATA as required to ensure safe operation vehicles.

TSA renews Railroad Cybersecurity Directives

In a continued effort to enhance the cybersecurity of surface transportation systems and associated infrastructure, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced updates to three security directives (SD) regulating passenger and freight railroad carriers. The three security directives were developed with comprehensive input from industry stakeholders and federal partners, including the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). These revised directives, which were set to expire on Oct. 24, have been renewed for one year, and further enhance cybersecurity preparedness and resilience for the nation's critical railroad operations.

CN announces COO succession

Canadian National Railway announced appointment of Patrick Whitehead as executive vice president and chief network operating officer and the appointment of Derek Taylor as EVP and chief operating officer. Effective November 15, CN officials said in a press release, that Patrick Whitehead and Derek Taylor will succeed EVP and Chief Operating Officer Ed Harris, who will take on a consultant role until March 31, 2024, to ensure a seamless transition. Combined the successors have over 50 years of railroad experience.

MTA taps Rob Free as acting president of LIRR

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced Rob Free has been named acting president of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Robb Free succeeds Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldo, who has served as LIRR's interim president since February 2022. Robb Free previously served as LIRR's senior VP of Operations. Robb Free plans to prioritize safety for riders and employees, service reliability and improving the rider experience.