Campaigns | GoRail

Michael Gaynor

In Memoriam of Our Dear Colleague and Friend

Michael Bryan Gaynor joined GoRail (then Go21) in 2007 as a Midwest state organizer out of his home state of Ohio. He expeditiously assumed the role of National Field Director in 2010, and then Assistant Vice President of Field Operations in 2015, using his keen political instinct to lead GoRail’s team of organizers across countless campaigns that have driven significant impact for the freight rail industry. Michael assumed the role of GoRail President in 2025, working diligently to make the transition seamless and to successfully position GoRail for its next chapter.

Michael’s body of work was both wide-ranging and deeply impactful. As a state director, he was a relentless organizer—meeting with thousands of local leaders, creating advocacy opportunities, and engaging people where they were. He approached every conversation and every campaign with the same discipline and integrity.

At the same time, Michael wasn’t just a skilled field organizer but also a leader who elevated those around him. He believed that good leaders modeled what should be done—and that’s exactly what he did every day, holding himself to a standard that we all tried to match. He had a competitive side that was contagious and drove results. At the same time, he deeply cared for each of us, showing his compassion and thoughtfulness in quiet and consistent ways. He was quick to laugh at a joke or tell a funny story—and his face lit up when he was excited about a new idea or campaign.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Michael took great pride in being a devoted husband to Lizanne and father to Nate and Collin. He was a true renaissance man: a foodie and wine connoisseur, Phish Phan, outdoorsman and hunter, and an adrenaline junkie who took joy in riding and racing motorcycles with his sons, and at one point was a certified skydiver.

Michael’s enduring imprint can be seen across our team and work. He was a respected leader, a tireless advocate for freight rail, and a valued colleague to so many across the industry. He was a good man and a good friend. We will miss and think of him every day. We’ll also hold dear the thousands of shared memories across his nearly two decades at GoRail.

Please join us in sharing your memories of Michael.

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Leave a Message in Memory of Michael

You can share a story, a message, or a moment you remember.

I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of Michael Gaynor. Michael served our community and our country with a rare combination of conviction, competence, and genuine kindness—and I was grateful to have him as part of our team when he worked in my office. He was the kind of person you could count on in every circumstance: steady under pressure, thoughtful in his counsel, and always focused on serving others the right way. Michael’s life was defined by service and leadership, always devoted to public service and advocacy. He poured himself into a mission he believed in and built quite a resume in his lifetime despite being cut short. But what stood out even more than his resume was who he was: a man of deep faith, a loyal friend, a spirited adventurer, and someone who brought people together with warmth, humor, and generosity. Most of all, Michael loved his family. My prayers are with his wife, Elizabeth, and with his sons, Nathaniel and Collin, as well as his parents, siblings, and everyone who loved him. The courage Michael showed throughout his illness—facing it with strength, optimism, and grace—reflects the character he lived with every day. May we honor Michael’s life by living the way he did: with purpose, with integrity, and with love for the people God places in our care. Rest in peace, Michael. You will be missed, and you will not be forgotten.

Congressman Michael Turner

Michael was a unique individual, defining work hard and play harder. He came across as preppy and professional with a love of politics and excel spreadsheets and a wild side on the weekends, with his extreme activities. I think he enjoyed telling us of his battle wounds, like when he tore his ACL bike racing one weekend. He loved picking the restaurants and the wine at our group dinners and enjoyed the camaraderie, we seldomly got to share in person since we all worked remotely. I worked with Mike his entire time at GoRail. He leaves a void in the organization but also leaves his impact on us all. He lived life to the fullest and I’m so very sad that it was cut short. I enjoyed hearing about the great times with his family, especially his sons. I'm sure they will carry on his legacy.

Emily Traiforos

GoRail

Thank you for your thoughtful and touching memoriam of Michael. I first met Michael after joining UP in 2010. He was always up to support the cause and was a staunch ally and advocate for the rail industry. He lead teams that were energized and focused on the mission and he always contributed more than was asked. I will remember Michael fondly as a leader, adventurer and now, Phish Phan! Michael is, and will continue to be, missed greatly.

Liisa Stark

I worked with Michael for 10 years at GoRail. His professionalism was unwavering, and his dedication to GoRail was evident in everything he touched. He understood our industry inside and out, and he brought a genuine excitement to every campaign we worked on together. Beyond his work ethic, he was simply a good man. In every conversation, he made space for the human side of things — asking about my family and checking in on what was happening in my life. We shared plenty of laughs too, especially when we teased each other about college football - something that we both enjoyed. Losing him leaves a real void. All of us at GoRail will feel his absence deeply. Sending love and prayers to his family.

Christy Sammon

GoRail

I didn't get to know Michael personally very well because every time we were together it was at a busy event that one of us was working, but his reputation and performance were absolutely sterling. GoRail performs a crucial role for the industry and the country quietly and effectively, and Michael was a key player in making that happen over the last 20 years. His work ethic, presence, dilgence, and overall competence set a tremendous standard for others to try to follow. He will be missed dearly.

Chuck Baker

Michael was a wonderful person to spend time with and support the GoRail initiatives. His hard work and dedication combined with a very warm, approachable personality made him a perfect fit for his role and relationship development. I am very saddened by his passing. The few opportunities I got to be around him yielded a strong connection and the beginning of a great friendship. All that was cut short by his tragic passing. I will miss Michael and believe I am correct in saying many people feel the same.

Barry Isringhausen

Thinking back about Mike and all our conversations over the years, my key takeaway is how much he got out of life. Whether it be skydiving, racing motorbikes, hunting, or training his bird dog, he really got to do it all. What struck me most is his love for his beautiful wife Liz and their two handsome boys, Nate and Collin. The times I shared a meal at the Gaynor home was full of warmth and laughter, debating the notes of a fancy bottle wine while telling stories about their boys. Mike worked hard for our industry. He was a dedicated professional. We used to tease him that despite his work from home role, Mike was always dressed up in slacks, a belt, and neatly pressed button up. I had the pleasure to hunt with Mike, golf with him and work alongside him beginning in 2007. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Liz, Nate and Collin, as well as the GoRail family. This is a difficult one.

Laura McNichol

I was fortunate to have met Michael at the beginning of my career and early into his tenure at GoRail. Our shared Ohio experience led to an instant rapport. Michael reminded me so much of the policymakers I looked up to growing up in Northeast Ohio - pragmatic, rooted in retail politics, with high attention to detail, effort, and empathy. Michael was such a pleasure to always be around, whether it was in a state capital, in DC, or in a social setting, including down at the NS Brosnan Forest (where he flushed out every Quail from its cubby). My condolences to the Gaynor and GoRail family - he often expressed how proud he was of you all. May we all serve as his living memory.

Herbert Smith

I walked into the hotel conference room to meet Michael for the first time for my initial GoRail interview; I was extremely nervous. He asked the questions, I provided the answers, I stood up and thanked him for the opportunity to interview, wished him well in the search for his next state rep and turned to leave because I knew I bombed the interview! he exclaimed, hey, wait you aren’t done with the process, we want you to come to DC to meet the team. I was honored and shocked and the entire way home was flabbergasted because I knew I was going to be part of an amazing team led by Michael. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity Michael provided me; he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. He believed I could even when I didn’t!

Melissa Jo Knepper

Michael was a thoughtful and dedicated professional. He had the trust of so many as an advocate and a person of high character. He will be missed.

Tom Livingston

Michael was a very positive leader and advocate for the rail industry and I valued his advice and assistance when I was RVP -Government Affairs for Norfolk Southern-in Michigan. Our industry has lost a dedicated and highly respected rail industry supporter. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Marc Higginbotham

I have known Mike for several years now as a result of his work with GoRail in Ohio. While we did not have frequent reasons to work directly together, when we did, he was always a consummate professional; extremely courteous and friendly; and fun to be around. I was always happy to support his efforts, whether it be a letter campaign or legislative meetings. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. He leaves a significant void in our industry.

Thomas Ulrich

Over 10 years of working with Michael I got to know him well. Always professional and thorough, Michael opened up over time and I learned about his family, hobbies and passions - including his wine collection and expertise. On more than one work trip we were even able to stay out past curfew. It was in those moments, just as much as in the Board meetings, zoom calls or impromptu discussions that I was always affirmed in knowing Michael was a truly good human. He always did what was right and honorable and never took a short cut. I will miss Michael dearly. I send my love to his family.

Ted Greener

Association of American Railroads

As a longtime supporter (and former Board member) of GoRail, I can say quite definitively that the organization would not be where it is today without Michael's leadership, commitment, and drive. He did just about everything over the course of his time at GoRail, helping it grow and steadily increase its positive impact on critical public policies that benefited everyone across the rail industry. He helped us articulate why rail is so important to our economy and convinced others to join us in helping policymakers across the country see that too. More importantly, Michael was a pleasure to work with and great to be around and he will be missed. My condolences to his family and the entire GoRail team - hang in there everyone and I join you in recognizing the special impact that Michael had on all of us.

Mike O'Malley

One small memory: among many many things, Michael taught me the term "bird-dogging." It's probably very standard to a hunter but was a new term to me, and it became a favorite of mine in the context of our political advocacy work. One of the reasons I liked it was because of the association with Michael and how hard he worked-- doggedly pursuing opportunities until they became actions, goals until they became wins.

Betsy Cantwell

GoRail

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Michael Gaynor

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