The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) Winter Meeting again set a new record with more than 1,100 attendees. Among the many topics covered were how North American railroads can pivot to growth in the current rail environment as well as the potential impact of possible rail mergers.

Newly elected officers are: President, Luke Jones, GATX Corporation; First Vice President, Monica Freeman, CHS, Inc.; and Second Vice President, Bryan F. Vaughan, Modern Rail Capital, LLC. The Immediate Past President is Steve Blinn.

“I am excited to move into my new role,” says Jones. “MARS continues to grow each year and is even more critical in the current rail environment. Our upcoming Summer Meeting will be another premier event, bringing together rail professionals from across the country to network, gain insight from industry experts, and discuss the most pressing topics affecting us today.”

New members of the MARS Executive Committee are:

  • Alín Campián, EVP & CFO, R.J. Corman Railroad Group
  • Jonathan Griffiths, Rail Transportation Manager, NA, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
  • Naomi Iwashita, Director Merchandise Sales, CPKC
  • Brett Jensen, Vice President, Railroad Sales, Watco
  • Patrick Seger, Rail Technical & National Account Sales, PPG Protective & Marine Coatings
  • Danny Trusner, Sr. Supply Manager, Rail, Molson Coors


The next gathering will be the Summer Meeting on July 13-14 held in conjunction with the MARS Scholarship Golf Outing—at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. More information about the Summer Meeting will be available in the coming months at www.mwrailshippers.com.