Founded in 2004 on the principle that “all politics is local,” we believe that direct input from constituents is the best way to communicate with elected officials. GoRail works with thousands of community leaders across the country to tell the local story of freight rail — stronger economies, more jobs and cleaner skies.
Many Americans don’t realize that freight railroads pay their own way with little help from taxpayers — to the tune of $25 billion annually, on average. These investments make American industry more competitive by maintaining and enhancing the rail network that connects companies and communities to markets all over the world.
Working with the support of U.S. freight railroads and rail supply companies, our coalition of community leaders reminds Congress how freight rail investments and rail policy decisions have real impacts back home, from local jobs and economic development to air quality and road congestion.
Download the GoRail overview.
Rail Advocates
FEATURED GORAIL SUPPORTERSGoRail’s rail advocates are community leaders from every region of the country who recognize that rail policy decisions made in Washington, D.C. have real impacts back home. Meet them and learn more about the ways freight rail has benefited their communities.
Snapshot
Railroads
North America’s six Class I railroads operate in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Accounting for 68 percent of the industry’s mileage and 88 percent of its employees, these railroads focus on long-haul, high-density intercity traffic.

Michael Gaynor manages the field staff and operations for GoRail. He brings two decades of political experience to his position, having served as a congressional staffer, political consultant, and public relations director to a national non-profit.

Betsy Cantwell leads communications strategy and activities, including earned, digital, and social media. One of her goals is to enhance and marry GoRail's digital advocacy with its grassroots organizing.

Bonnie Carter leads finance, administration, and development at GoRail, ensuring organizational efficiency and strategic growth.
Board of Directors
Michael Gaynor
President
GoRail
Ian Jefferies
President & Chief Executive Officer
Association of American Railroads
Wendy Whalen
AVP Supply Chain Procurement and Performance
Union Pacific Railroad
Michael Smythers
VP Federal Government Affairs
BNSF Railway
Spence Glotzbach
Head of Procurement
CSX Transportation
Larry Lloyd
AVP of US Government Affairs
CPKC
Richard (Drew) Marrs
Senior Director, Government Relations
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Andrea Niethold
AVP, Head of Public and Government Affairs U.S.
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