Education Sessions

DESCRIPTION:

This breakout session will review some best practices for positioning your railroad for future federal funding opportunities. This session will review capital improvement planning, preliminary work preparations, stakeholder engagements, and some of the biggest impediments to future applications.

MODERATOR:

Kyle Kellem, Roadmaster/Emergency Manager, Tacoma Rail

SPEAKER:

Lucas Brewer, Senior Project Manager, Bergmann/Colliers Engineering & Design

DESCRIPTION:

This breakout session will overview the data collection, how the data would be used to determine conditions of the ties (good or bad), model degradation rates, and identify thresholds and densities nedeed for defined cycles.

MODERATOR:

Michael Atzert, Senior Engineer, Design Nine

SPEAKERS:

Juan Carlos Covarrubias, Chief Engineer, Genesee & Wyoming
Scott Sandoval, Director of Engineering, Genesee & Wyoming

DESCRIPTION:

Leveraging MRail’s Vertical Rail Deflection Measurement Technology to prioritize ballast and surfacing maintenance.

MODERATOR:

Kyle Kellem, Roadmaster/Emergency Manager, Tacoma Rail

SPEAKERS:

Todd Dragland, VP, Engineering, Genesee & Wyoming
Tom Leiby, Director of Measurement, Harsco Rail
Christopher M. Hartsough, Track Engineering Team Lead, Engineering, Harsco Rail

DESCRIPTION:

Learn how to track and report on Environmental Social Governance for your railroad. Tracking and reporting is becoming ever more important as it is included in criteria for grants like CRISI. Learn how to get natural capital gains at low cost.

MODERATOR:

Sean Strong, VP Environmental, Watco

SPEAKERS:

Laura McNichol, SVP & Chief Sustainability Officer, Regulatory, Watco
Geoff Rochester, Founder, GRC Advising
Ginny King, Natural Capital Program Director, Stantec

DESCRIPTION:

The presenters will provide an overview of key carbon management concepts in sustainable transportation, how rail is best positioned to benefit from a higher carbon cost, and actions we should take today to prepare for an even brighter future.

MODERATOR:

Sean Strong, VP Environmental, Watco

SPEAKER:

John Carroll, President & CEO, Carbon Advisors
Matt Hoobler, AVP – Policty & Natural Resources, Watco

DESCRIPTION:

The session will be an update on the insurance market for railroads from the perspective of a Liability Insurance Market, Property Insurance Market, and a Broker that places coverages for railroads. The panel will have a discussion about market conditions, and railroads will have an opportunity to ask questions.

SPEAKER:

John Durante, Senior Vice President, Marsh Insurance
Denise DePrimo, Senior Vice President, AXA XL
Chuck Brehmer, Director, Markel Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

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:

Dan Heckman, US Bank

DESCRIPTION:

This session will cover the most current, pressing financial issues affecting the Short Line Industry. During the first half of the session, Bowers & Company's Joe Mocciaro will cover rail industry benchmarking and industry standards, and during the second half of the session Mickelson & Company's Mark Mickelson and Ryan Pidde will cover the current work being done with states and their railroad tax credits, as well as state incentives for new and expanded industrial sites served by short line railroads.

SPEAKERS:

Joseph M. Mocciaro, CPA, Partner, Bowers & Company, CPAs
Mark Mickelson, President, Mickelson & Company
Ryan Pidde, Vice President, Mickelson & Company

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for an engaging discussion about important steps employers can take to improve workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

MODERATOR:

Kristin Bevil, General Counsel, Pioneer Lines

SPEAKER:

Nicole Theophilus, EVP & CHRO, Wabtec Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

ASLRRA's Human Resources and Young Professionals Committees have partnered to present this super session. The first portion of the session will cover interviews, feedback, and reviews from both the manager and employee perspectives. Then, attendees will have an opportunity to practice and hone their skills during the interactive role playing second half of the session.

MODERATOR:

Chloé Pedersen, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC

SPEAKERS:

Bobbi Allen, Chief Administrative Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad LLC
Michele Malski, Founder and President, SPRING
Chelsea Sweet, Outsourced Controller, Bowers & Company, CPAs

DESCRIPTION:

Join HR, Legal and Medical experts for a discussion of hot topics / new trends and issues impacting employers and employees in the 2022 post-pandemic workplace.

MODERATOR:

Matt Robinson, Controller/HR Manager, Alliance Grain Co.

SPEAKERS:

Merritt Canfield, President, Meritus Executive Search
Josie Curtis, Vice President People Service, R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC
Chloé Pedersen, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC
Dr. Timothy McCormick, President, Transportation Occupational Medicine Consultants (TOMC)

DESCRIPTION:

This session will provide a breakdown of legal requirements and eligibility for all of the new and/or expanded grant programs.

MODERATOR:

Sarah Yurasko, General Counsel, ASLRRA

SPEAKER:

Richard Sherman, Senior Advisor, Blank Rome Government Relations LLC
Janet Gilbert, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC

DESCRIPTION:

This session will provide a breakdown of legal requirements and eligibility for all of the new and/or expanded grant programs.

MODERATOR:

Sarah Yurasko, General Counsel, ASLRRA

SPEAKER:

David Rifkind, Partner, Stinson

DESCRIPTION:

Join four Railroad General Counsels and learn about current issues facing the legal sector of the industry, including emergency response, contract management, grant compliance, and insurance.

MODERATOR:

John Fiorilla, Chair, Transportation Law Group, Dyer & Peterson P.C.

SPEAKERS:

Kristin Bevil, General Counsel, Pioneer Lines
Onna Houck, Chief Legal Officer, Director of Corporate Affairs, Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC
Asim Raza, Chief Legal Officer, Director of Corporate Affairs, Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis
Trevor Pusch, Senior Corporate Counsel, Anacostia Rail Holding Company

DESCRIPTION:

Join industry expert Mike Ogborn for an explanation of the history and implementation of the Railroad Industry Agreement (RIA) and the Railroad Industry Working Group (RIWG). This session will serve as an essential RIA / RIWG primer for those new to the industry as well as anyone needing a refresher on how it works.

SPEAKER:

Mike Ogborn, President, Ogborn Consulting

DESCRIPTION:

Learn the best practices in regulatory compliance in 49 CFR Parts 217 and 218.

MODERATOR:

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

SPEAKER:

Steve Dupont, Operating Practices Supervisory Specialist, Federal Railroad Administration

DESCRIPTION:

The Bi-partisan Infrastructure Bill created and expanded new grant programs. There have also been changes in evaluation criteria with more emphasis on the environment. Learn what's new and what's changed in this session.

MODERATOR:

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

SPEAKER:

Douglas Gascon, Staff Director Program Delivery, Federal Railroad Administration

DESCRIPTION:

Get the latest on Regulatory and Legislative changes from ASLRRA's Washington team.

SPEAKERS:

Tom Lynch, VP Congressional Affairs, ASLRRA
Zach Radford, AVP Congressional Affairs, ASLRRA
Jo Strang, SVP Safety, Regulatory and Environmental Policy, ASLRRA

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a discussion on how two of the industry’s largest short line holding companies, Genesee & Wyoming and Watco, are improving their websites and overall web-based strategies. Gain insight on how the proper messaging, coupled with web-enabled tools, deliver value for both internal and external customers. Expanding our offerings to customers by the web will continue to drive new services, which will, in turn, help to grow the freight transload, real estate, industrial development, and storage portfolios of our businesses.

MODERATOR:

Ed Foley, VP, Marketing & Sales, Northeast Region, Genesee & Wyoming

SPEAKERS:

Tom Ciuba, VP Corporate Communications, Genesee & Wyoming
Cori Kallenbach, VP Corporate Communications, Watco

DESCRIPTION:

Railroads in 2022 - Talking the Talk (Can They Walk the Walk?)

SPEAKER:

Tony Hatch, Analyst, ABH Consulting

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for a robust discussion of opportunities and potential shortfalls surrounding the recent prioritization (and billions in funding) for passenter rail and commuter rail projects. Moderated by Iowa Interstate Railroad Chairman Henry Posner III, attendees will witness an engaging dialogue on what is possible, lessons learned, and realistic options for passenger usage that can be beneficial to both individual short lines and the industry as a whole.

MODERATOR:

Henry Posner, III, Chairman, Iowa Interstate Railraod, Ltd.

SPEAKERS:

Jerry Vest, SVP, Government & Industry Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc.
Kevin Keller, Vice President & Sr. Professional Associate, HDR, Inc.
David Fink, President, Springfield Terminal
Greg Baxter, Director Developing Markets, Herzog

DESCRIPTION:

This super session will provide info regarding development and delivery of an electrical training program by Mr. Roger Fuehring. Panelists will discuss mechanical defects and preventive maintenace with an interactive discussion taking all questions regarding locomotives.

MODERATOR:

Joe Bentrup, Mechanical Superinendent, Terminal Railroad Association

SPEAKERS:

Samuel Beck, Regional Sales Manager, LB Foster
Wade Clevenger, Operations Manager, MetroEast Industries
Roger Fuehring, Chief Mechanical Officer, Lake State Railway
Justin Moon, Chief Mechanical Officer, Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

DESCRIPTION:

Join this super session to discuss all AAR rule changes and billing updates. AAR experts will be present to take questions from short lines, contractors and repair facilities.

MODERATOR:

Christine Benson, Director, Customer Relations & Operational Support, Harbor Rail Services Company

SPEAKER:

Miles Lucero, Manager, Car Repair Billing, Association of American Railroads
Heath Bushell, Brake Systems Committee Manager, Association of American Railroads
Shay Callahan, Principal Economist, MxV Rail / AAR

DESCRIPTION:

This super session session will provide information about railroad requirements in regard to engineering and mechancal employees and contractors. Attendees will learn about requirements for railroads who rely on engineering and mechanical contractors, including periodic oversite.

MODERATOR:

Mitch Harris, Director - Safety Training and Regulatory Compliance, Rio Grande Pacific

SPEAKERS:

Robert Castiglione, Staff Director - Safety Partnerships, Federal Railroad Administration
Cory S. Johnson, Railroad Technical Specialist, Human Performance, Federal Railroad Administration
Brian F. Reilly, Specialist, Railroad Safety Partnerships Division, Federal Railroad Administration

DESCRIPTION:

This session will provide detailed instruction on developing and implementing a railroad's training philosophy and program, and ways to enhance classroom interaction.

MODERATOR:

Josh Banks, Manager of Operating Practices, Tacoma Rail

SPEAKER:

Travis Herod, Senior VP, Environmental Health & Safety, Watco Companies

DESCRIPTION:

Join us for an engaging discussion about ithe importance of investing in the latest technology in order for railroads to protect sensitive data, enhance their operations, and improve efficiency.

MODERATOR:

Fred Oelsner, VP Data & Technology, ASLRRA

SPEAKERS:

Dave Strezo, VP-Shared Services, Pioneer Lines
Mike Peters, Sr. VP, Real Estate & Industrial Development, Genesee & Wyoming

SPEAKER:

Leah Twombly, Senior VP, Director, Enterprise Services, OmniTRAX, Inc.
Jason Berryhill, SVP & CIO, OmniTRAX, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

TSA will provide updates to the short line railroad industry on the current status of security directives and informational circulars relating to the industry, along with general information on cybersecurity resources available through TSA.

SPEAKER:

Jonathan Lamb, Industry Engagement Manager (Freight Rail), Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

DESCRIPTION:

This session will focus on a discussion of interactive diversity.

MODERATOR:

Michele Malski, Founder and President, SPRING

SPEAKER:

Chelsea Sweet, Outsourced Controller, Bowers & Company, CPAs
Miranda George, Client Relations Manager, RailSoft Systems

DESCRIPTION:

ASLRRA's Human Resources and Young Professionals Committees have partnered to present this super session. The first portion of the session will cover interviews, feedback, and reviews from both the manager and employee perspectives. Then, attendees will have an opportunity to practice and hone their skills during the interactive role playing second half of the session.

MODERATOR:

Chloé Pedersen, Partner, Fletcher & Sippel LLC

SPEAKERS:

Bobbi Allen, Chief Administrative Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad LLC
Daniel Gibson, Vice President of Estimating, L.G. Barcus and Sons, Inc.
Sherry Joseph, Attorney, Fletcher & Sippel LLC
Michele Malski, Founder and President, SPRING
Chelsea Sweet, Outsourced Controller, Bowers & Company, CPAs

DESCRIPTION:

Learn from a man who has dedicated his life to rail and the lessons he has learned through it.

MODERATOR:

Michele Malski, Founder and President, SPRING

SPEAKER:

Larry Malski, President, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority

DESCRIPTION:

The crowd favorite round table discussion with industry leaders is back. This is your chance to sit around a table with some of the best in railroading, to have more personalized conversations. We will let the conversation flow naturally and you can have a chance to talk "one on one" with multiple industry leaders.

MODERATOR:

Chelsea Sweet, Outsourced Controller, Bowers & Company, CPAs

SPEAKERS:

Otis L. Cliatt II, President, Pacific Harbor Line, Inc.
Crystal Glitchell, AVP, Legislative & Regulatory Policy, ASLRRA
Ryan Ratledge
Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MXV Rail
Beth Fleischer, Director of Information Technology, Alaska Railroad