William Thompson, P.E. serves as the Chief Engineer for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, a nationally recognized public–private partnership focused on improving rail efficiency, mobility, and safety in the Chicago metropolitan region.

In this role, Mr. Thompson oversees the planning, design, and delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder rail infrastructure projects involving Class I freight railroads, Metra commuter rail, Amtrak, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. His work addresses freight bottlenecks that impact not only the Chicago region, but the entire national rail network.

Previous Experience

Mr. Thompson brings decades of experience in railroad engineering, program management, and infrastructure delivery, with a focus on grade separations, terminal improvements, signal systems, and corridor modernization. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and a nationally respected voice on freight rail investment, governance, and public–private collaboration.

Becky Wingate serves as the Program Manager for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program, where she provides day to day leadership for one of the nation’s most complex freight rail public–private partnerships.

Ms. Wingate has played a central role in the recent development and evolution of CREATE, guiding program planning, coordination, and governance across multiple public agencies and private railroads. Her work focuses on aligning diverse stakeholder interests, advancing long term program strategy, and translating regional and national rail policy goals into implementable infrastructure investments.

With deep institutional knowledge of CREATE’s origins, funding strategies, and partnership structure, Ms. Wingate is a key voice on how large, multi railroad programs are conceived, sustained, and delivered over decades. She is widely respected for her ability to bridge technical, policy, and development perspectives in support of nationally significant freight rail improvements.

Dan Leis is General Director of Real Estate in the Real Estate Department of Union Pacific Railroad Company. Leis marked 31 years of service with Union Pacific in May for 2026. In his current role, Leis is responsible for leading a team of managers in all aspects associated with generating revenue and managing property assets in four functional areas: utilities, minerals, signboards and public and special projects. In addition, Dan is responsible for a number of Departmental special projects and initiatives. Dan has held various positions in the Real Estate Department including Director – Sales, Director - Field Operations, Sr. Manager - Acquisitions, Sr. Manager - Special Properties, and Manager - Real Estate Field Operations.

Dan began his career with Union Pacific Corporation in 1995 on the Union Pacific Corporate Audit Staff. Leis joined Union Pacific Railroad Company in 1997 as a Supervisor of Contract Services in the Operating Department and then joined the Real Estate Department in 1999.

Leis graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelors Degree in Finance in 1992 and a Masters Degree in Finance, with Real Estate emphasis, in 1995.

Dan grew up in Western Nebraska on a family farm and cattle operation.

Current Responsibilities

Dennis serves as Senior Director of Technical Sales Advisory at JLL, where he acts as a client ambassador and solution architect focused on real estate technology innovation. He specializes in understanding client needs and guiding them toward the strongest possible technology outcomes using JLL's preferred technology solutions, helping clients navigate complex technology decisions and accelerate digital transformation initiatives across their portfolios.

CRE Experience

Dennis joined JLL in 2024, bringing extensive real estate technology and solution architecture expertise to the Technical Sales Advisory team. His commercial real estate foundation was established at Cohesion, where he served as Director of Client Solutions and Product Implementation. In this role, he launched two solution engineering teams from scratch, focusing on uniting healthy building technology, engaging tenant experiences, and property management workflows into an integrated smart building application.

Previous Experience

Dennis brings over 25 years of product leadership and digital innovation experience across breakthrough consumer and enterprise products. He was a founding member at Gogo, launching the first WiFi-enabled aircraft and the first inflight streaming video service in the United States. His teams subsequently scaled the service to over 2,000 aircraft. He has led product initiatives for Fortune 500 enterprises including DICK'S Sporting Goods, Aetna, and Orbitz, consistently delivering breakthrough digital solutions that drive significant business impact.

Education

Dennis earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Loyola University Chicago.

Rob leads innovation and digital strategy for JLL's Work Dynamics and JLL Technologies clients across the Industrials sector. With over a decade of commercial real estate experience, he specializes in technology and data strategy advisory, helping organizations leverage AI and emerging technologies to transform their real estate operations and workplace strategies. Rob's work sits at the intersection of operational efficiency, technological innovation, and strategic real estate decision-making, where he guides clients through complex digital transformations that drive measurable business outcomes.

Eric Goodman joined CPKC in April 2023 and currently leads the Business Development, Transload, and Hi-Wide teams for CPKC in both the US and Canada. Prior to CPKC, Eric held various roles at BNSF Railway, including positions in operations, intermodal operations, unit train facilities, and economic development. With over 25 years of experience in Class I railroading, Eric leverages his extensive background in operations management, intermodal logistics, and economic/business development to strengthen customer relationships and enhance CPKC’s product offerings.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS.

Mr. Tuck III’s engineering career started with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and includes more than 30 years of experience in various departments and districts. His career trajectory includes the design and construction of complex projects on highways, bridges, transit, and most importantly, rail and environmental through the CREATE Program

As former IDOT Bureau Chief of CREATE and Freight Rail, Mr. Tuck III’s leadership and guidance was instrumental in the finalization of the CREATE Manuals and Procedures for the Phase I, II, and III process. Notably, he pioneered the 5% railroad share of projects enhancing safety in CREATE Grade Separation projects. He also developed concepts for the financial funding of projects such as the 7th CIP (P3/GS19, EW2, P2), which brought all CREATE partners to match the $132M Infrastructure Grant funding the B9 and P3/GS19, and construction and design of EW2, P2 for a total of $474M. This understanding demonstrates that he has the ability to navigate the signature process for the State Rail Agreement, invoices, and grant submission, bridge structure approvals, and permits. Additionally, he is intimately familiar with state and federal systems for processing invoices (State – FOA) and Grant Reporting (FRA/FHWA – Grant Solutions).

As an experienced leader, Mr. Tuck III is well-suited to ensure that IDOT, District One, the CREATE Program, and instrumental stakeholders such as the Office of Intermodal Project Implementation, Division of Highways, Office of Planning and Program, Division of Finance and Administration and Office of Chief Council, etc. receive the needed resources from our team. His comprehensive understanding of IDOT’s standards and procedures and organizational structure will ensure a seamless transition of the Program to IEI, as well as seamless coordination across all Phases and departments for this program. Moreover, his strategic leadership and connectivity within the CREATE ecosystem would drive collaboration and progress. With his strong technical and managerial experience, combined with decades of field expertise, Mr. Tuck III is a key asset and will ensure a successful program outcome while maintaining federal funding compliance.

Jesse Elam is the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy at the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways. In this role he oversees the annual Invest in Cook grant program, which helps local governments and non-profits cover the costs of planning, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction associated with transportation improvements. He also leads countywide transportation planning initiatives, including development of the county’s bike and transit plans, along with implementation of the county’s freight plan and special initiatives such as Fair Transit South Cook. Prior to Cook County, Jesse worked for 15 years at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), where in his last role as deputy executive director for research, analysis, and programming he oversaw roughly $160 million annually in federal grants programmed by CMAP as well as supervising travel demand modeling and research activities. He also played key roles in the development of CMAP’s GO TO 2040 and ON TO 2050 regional plans. Jesse has a masters in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Matt Soule is the Founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, a company that deploys autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles to move more freight by rail. Parallel’s technology enables railroads to expand market share by improving service quality, flexibility, and reach. The system works alongside traditional trains, complements existing operations, and integrates with railroad physical and digital infrastructure.

Matt has over 20 years of experience developing advanced technologies within established industries and aerospace. Previously, he spent 13 years at SpaceX in various roles including leading teams in development and certification of the world’s first autonomous flight termination system, hazard analysis and risk mitigations for manned spacecraft, and Air Force certification of reusable rockets. Prior to SpaceX, Matt worked at Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Moog. Matt received a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Northwestern University.

Rebecca (Becky) Hensley is a Manager Environmental Programs at CSX Transportation, Inc where she coordinates CAA permitting and compliance activities and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting. She has over 25 years of experience with EHS and regulatory compliance. At CSXT, Her previous role was with TRANSFLO Terminal Services, Inc – managing environmental and systems compliance: facility permitting; audits; training; and Quality Management. She specializes in data management solutions and collaborating with field operations.

Before joining CSXT and TRANSFLO, she worked as a consultant for a variety of transportation, manufacturing, military and government clients. Her career has specialized in environmental permitting and developing customized compliance solutions for air, water and waste programs.

She holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida and currently lives in Louisville, KY where she became a Certified Bourbon Steward and backyard chicken farmer.

Aaron Henderson serves as a National Climate Resilience Strategist with Arcadis. His primary interests lie in hazard mitigation analysis, resilience planning and policy development, benefit cost analysis (BCA), project and program design, and climate risk assessments. He holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Florida State University and is an American Institute Certified Planner, ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager, and LEED Green Associate. He has previously supported his clients in the development of comprehensive funding strategies ultimately resulting in managing over $5 billion in grants and low-interest loans.

Shauna Wright is a partner and co-chair of the Litigation practice group at Kelly Hart. Representing both corporate and individual clients, Ms. Wright handles a wide range of business litigation matters in state and federal courts. Her expertise spans various fields including real estate, aviation, airports, transportation, oil and gas, employment, and antitrust, among others.

As an accomplished litigator, Ms. Wright has acted as lead counsel in over 130 jury trials. She excels in navigating complex conflicts in high-profile settings and possesses the necessary skills in litigation, public policy, communications, and crisis management. In addition to her litigation expertise, Ms. Wright is also a qualified mediator, offering innovative and diligent solutions to litigants. She counsels clients on dispute resolution strategies, thereby minimizing the risk of costly litigation.

Throughout her career, Ms. Wright has provided legal counsel to a diverse clientele including crime victims, governmental agencies, political bodies, nonprofit organizations, and law enforcement agencies. Before her current role, she served as a prosecutor for the State of Florida, where she held significant positions such as Director of the Clay County State Attorney’s Office and Chief of the Special Victims Unit. In these roles, Ms. Wright demonstrated a unique blend of tenacity, advocacy, and experience in managing sensitive issues, particularly in child abuse, sexual abuse/assault, and homicide cases.

A sought-after speaker, Ms. Wright shares her expertise on various legal topics including trial practice, expert testimony, crisis investigation, child witnesses, and violence against women and children. She also provides legal counsel to United Methodist churches on matters such as child protection. Notably, Ms. Wright served as the firm’s Pro Bono Coordinator for a decade, overseeing over 30,000 hours of free legal services to the poor and underserved, reflecting her deep commitment to community service. A native Texan, Ms. Wright resides in Keller where she raised her three children and remains actively engaged in the community.

John K. Fiorilla was born in Paterson, NJ in 1950 and moved to Burlington County in 1976 and to Cinnaminson in 1988. Mr. Fiorilla has a degree in Government from Seton Hall University in 1971 and Doctor of Jurisprudence from Georgetown University Law Center in 1974.

He began his legal career as an attorney for the Central RR of New Jersey and then Consolidated Rail Corporation. He currently is a partner in the firm of Dyer & Peterson PC and specializes in railroad and transportation law. He serves as the Chair of the Transportation Law Group. His office is in Riverton, N.J.

After graduation from Seton Hall and its Army ROTC program, John served as an officer in the Army Reserve in the Transportation Branch specializing in marine terminal operations. He retired as a Captain from the US Army Reserve 1n 1986 after 15 years on reserve duty.

John has served as aide to the late Hon. Robert A. Roe who represented NJ 8th Congressional District (which included Paterson) while he was in law school in Washington and worked with the Democratic National Committee at the famous Watergate Office Complex in Washington.

John represents a number of Class 1 and short line railroads serving as both general counsel for the short lines and litigation counsel for the short lines and Class 1 carriers.

In 2000 John was successful in an action regarding wire easements and his client the Morristown & Erie Railway named M&E locomotive # 22 in his honor.

Currently John sings in the choir at Sacred Heart Church in Riverton and umpires high school baseball as a member of the South Jersey Umpires Association throughout Burlington County.

Rachael Crandley is a Senior Project Manager at HDR focused on freight rail economic and industrial development and railroad real estate. Prior to joining HDR in April 2021, Rachael spent a decade in the real estate department at Conrail, initially as a Real Estate Manager and most recently as the Director of Business Development and Planning. In that role, she managed their diverse portfolio of real estate assets, oversaw customer development, facilitated the design of rail-served facilities, and coordinated service initialization. She also managed the fiber optic cable and signboard inventory and was instrumental in developing their enterprise GIS. Today, Rachael works with a variety of Class I and short line railroads and is involved in a large array of project types, providing advisory services in areas such as grant funding and utility coordination, and facilitating communication between railroads and real estate developers and municipalities to help progress capital improvement projects. Rachael holds a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Maryland and degrees in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development from Columbia University. She lives in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia with her husband, dog and three boys.

Kari Harris is Sr Manager, Environmental Assessment for CN’s operations in US and Western Canada. Kari has over 30 years of experience specializing in wetland, waters and stormwater regulations. With extensive project experience across the US, and now in the Canadian regulatory environment, Kari has considerable understanding in navigating the regulatory framework of environmental permitting and the associated intricacies of design solutions that can translate to practical field applications. Kari continues to grow with CN and is currently supporting the CN Biodiversity program and implementing the TNFD framework into how CN tracks metrics of its daily operational impacts and identifying potential opportunities to offset those impacts. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BS in Geography (Natural Environmental Systems). Before joining CN in 2012, Kari worked as a consultant in the Chicago area where she developed her niche for Clean Water Act permitting and compliance.

Peter is an experienced environmental professional and program manager skilled in navigating state and federal governmental agencies to bring large, complex projects to completion. His multifaceted experience lends itself to managing national client portfolios that involve diverse skillsets and staff. Peter has a diverse background that includes employment as both a regulator and a consultant. As a result, Peter has a unique perspective on how agencies operate and their expectations. He has also managed projects as a consultant from inside agency offices, including the Bureau of Land Management and state transportation offices. His experience includes large EIS projects ranging in multimillions of dollars to support cities and counties with small, local permitting efforts. As a result, Peter has worked on every aspect of a NEPA project, from alternatives development, to writing technical studies, impacts analysis, authoring dozens of NEPA documents, leading a team to respond to 60,000 comment letters, and developing mitigation plans that are reasonable and constructable as part of project development.

Jay Johnson serves clients in a wide range of infrastructure and natural resource contexts, both by guiding them past regulatory and environmental review obstacles to win agency approvals and by litigating the complex issues that often arise in such contexts. Jay focuses on projects that attract scrutiny from both regulators and third-party groups, including rail and surface transportation, mining, and port projects. Over the past 20 years, Jay has handled numerous projects before the Surface Transportation Board, including as counsel for the petitioner in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision addressing the contours of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Joe Van Humbeck serves CPKC as Director Impact Assessment & Natural Environment. In his role he leads a dedicated team of environmental professionals across North America who are responsible for securing pre-construction environmental permits, managing wildlife, supporting derailment response and helping drive projects forward while reducing impacts on the natural environment. Joe engages with a diverse group of regulators including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency, the US Army Corp of Engineers, the STB’s Office of Environmental Analysis, PROFEPA and SEMARNAT. In Joe’s 14 years at the railroad, he has helped secure approval for intermodal terminals, rail extensions to customer facilities, transload facilities, and CP’s acquisition of KCS. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology from the University of Calgary and is Registered as a Professional Biologist in Alberta and British Columbia.

Devin is a veteran professional with over 28 years of experience in the North American railroad industry. He currently serves as the AVP Environment and Hazardous Materials at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) in Washington, D.C.

Devin specializes in the areas of:

• Policy development and regulatory rulemaking
• Environmental compliance, assessment, and remediation
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Rail tank car safety

In his role at the AAR, Devin's key responsibilities include:

• Developing and coordinating industry policy on environmental and hazardous materials issues
• Overseeing matters related to the transportation of nuclear waste
• Identifying short- and long-term risk management strategies
• Assessing environmental and hazardous materials issues affecting the rail industry
• Advising member railroads on potential impacts of regulatory and legislative issues

Devin's extensive experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to the AAR, which plays a crucial role in setting safety, security, and operating standards for North America's freight rail network. His work contributes to the organization's efforts in enhancing the safety and efficiency of the railroad industry, particularly in areas related to environmental protection and hazardous materials transportation.

As part of the AAR leadership team, Devin collaborates with other industry experts to address challenges and opportunities in the dynamic and evolving landscape of rail transportation. His insights and guidance help shape policies that impact the nearly 140,000-mile freight rail network in the United States, ensuring that the industry remains at the forefront of safety and environmental responsibility.

TBD