Rail Mentor Award nominations due next week

Progressive Railroading is seeking nominations for the Rail Mentor Awards, a new recognition program to honor those who are helping develop the industry's next generation of rail professionals. 

Nominations for this year's program are due March 31.

The magazine defines a rail mentor as someone who takes part in an established mentorship program or initiative through their rail industry employer or professional association, and who fosters mentees' career growth by providing advice and ongoing support. Rail mentors should be viewed by their company, rail industry peers and mentees as having a meaningful impact on others' rail careers and the North American railroad industry as a whole.

Nominees should work for North American Class Is, short lines and regionals, passenger railroads, rail industry suppliers, service providers or professional associations. Nominations may only be submitted by, and with the full endorsement of, the nominee's employer or professional association. Nominees must know they are part of a mentorship program and are being nominated for the recognition. A company may submit up to three nominations.

To nominate a mentor, fill out this nomination form, including a description in under 500 words of how the nominee provides guidance and support to others in the rail industry through a mentorship program.

Progressive Railroading anticipates announcing the 2026 Rail Mentor Awards honorees in late April and in the magazine's print edition in June.

Questions? Contact Associate Editor Bridget Dean at bridget.dean@tradepress.com.