AGENDA UPDATE: We’re excited to announce that Todd Rynaski, Senior Vice President – Strategy at Union Pacific, has been added to the NEARS.org agenda. With nearly 30 years at Union Pacific, Todd brings a unique perspective spanning finance, technology, risk, and enterprise strategy. In his current role, he leads Union Pacific’s strategic agenda as the railroad evaluates growth opportunities and transformational initiatives across the industry. We’re looking forward to his insights and leadership at NEARS.
Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience
April 8th, 2026 -
Train Boards at 5:30pm.
Train Departs at 6:00pm Newport, RI (Station Next To Newport Marriott)
$125 per person Drinks are included 4 Course Menu
Course 1: Classic Caesar Salad
Course 2: Intermezzo - Sorbet and Berries
Course 3: Your Choice of Entree -
Bellevue Grilled Beef Filet -
Roasted Statler Chicken Breast -
Phyllo Wrapped Chilean Sea Bass -
Roasted Portobello Mushroom & Vegetable Napoleon
Course 4: Your Choice of Sweet Finale - Chocolate Flourless Torte -
Basque Cheesecake
Only 80 tickets will be sold.
In the past 6 months, I’ve used my NEARS connections to:
§ Do reference checks on a new TMS with folks who actually use the software
§ Find a location to stage railcars near a customer to reduce our lead times and better manage inventories
§ Facilitate a transload operation
§ Ask dozens of questions on railcar maintenance, repair, and design
§ Find a specialty provider for cleaning and refitting of tank cars
§ Collect estimated costs to support multiple logistics feasibility studies
§ Help me train my employees into new roles
§ Recruit new team members
§ Locate railcar capacity for short term logistical support
At the last conference, I met:
§ 4 of my Railroad Account Managers and their Directors
§ Director and VP level executives from multiple leasing companies
§ 2 Investment Analysts who provide insight into the transportation industry as a whole
§ 20 new peers (shippers who manage rail for their companies)
§ 2 Transportation Software providers, who provide services that I am in the market for
§ 2 government officials that act as consumer advocates or shipper resources
As a result of my attendance, I got:
§ Updates on the rail market place from all the speakers and contacts I made
§ Access to a full list of attendees to be able to network with them in the future
§ Access to the presentations of the speakers and permission to contact them regarding the content that I used in business presentations
There are many organizations to choose from, so why choose NEARS?
Our BOD represents all aspects of the shipping community. As we are a shippers organization, our bylaws restrict railroad employees from becoming officers.
Amanda Barber - NS
Mike Barbato - Retired
Robert Barnet - BNSF
Don Cameron - Retired
Michael Clements - CSX
Jesse Fetters - Carboline
Paul Grosche - AMTR
Todd Hunter - NorthShore
Joe Kenny - Keystone RR
Mike Koehler - UP
Jay Medlin - Compass Rail
John Meyers - D.M. Bowman
Stacy Ossenfort - Railstrong
Roger Reynolds - OMYA
Jason Seidl - TD Cowen
Vikki Van Vliet - US Bank
Dennis Wilmot - Iron Horse Logistics
2023-2025 Carl Citelli
2022 - 2023 Erica Breiterman
2020 – 2021 Dennis Wilmot
2018 - 2019 Jason Seidl
2016 - 2017 Don Cameron
2014 - 2015 John Meyers
2012 - 2013 Scott McCalla
2010 - 2011 Dana Burleigh
2008 - 2009 Tammy Baker-Silver
2006 - 2007 Gerald Racette
2004 - 2005 Diane El-Hakim
2002 - 2003 Michael Cella
2000 - 2001 Kathy Dalrymple
1998 - 1999 Paula Mehan
1996 - 1997 Michael Calabucci
1994 - 1995 Joe Gearin
1992 – 1993 Brenda Horne
1990 - 1991 Joe Gearin
1988 - 1989 Kenneth Enzor
1986 – 1987 Ruth Gale
1984 – 1985 Kenneth Enzor
1982 – 1983 Ken Bowers
1980 – 1981 Gene Bernard




