GoRail : Uniting rail stakeholders with community leaders and the public.

A word from GoRail Board Chair

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to assume the chairmanship of the GoRail Board of Directors heading into 2023. As vice president of federal government affairs for BNSF, I recognize and appreciate the tremendous value of GoRail advocacy efforts in support of our industry’s key policy goals in Washington, D.C. and around the country.

As detailed in this report, 2022 was a challenging year on a number of fronts, with a long list
of policy and regulatory matters for GoRail and the rail industry to confront. GoRail
demonstrated the ability to move quickly from one engagement to the next, shifting focus
from flashpoints in the U.S. House and Senate, to the Surface Transportation Board and
other venues.

GoRail’s vast coalition of business, political, and community leaders represents a
Tremendous asset to the railroad industry, marshaling important voices across the nation to
help articulate and continually reinforce the importance of freight rail in their communities.

There is more work to be done and opportunities to continue expanding GoRail’s network of
supporters and I look forward to helping GoRail navigate the challenges ahead as 2023
Chairman of the Board. Thank you to all who have helped to make GoRail an effective voice
for our industry in Washington and in the communities we serve, and especially the rail
suppliers and contractors whose contributions make it possible for GoRail to do such
important work.

Michael Smythers - Chair
VP Federal Government Affairs
BNSF Railway