Rising Stars 2026: Agostino Van Wetering 

Agostino Van Wetering, 36 
Senior director of safety, engineering department 
Union Pacific Railroad 

Nominator’s quote: “Agi’s blend of technical depth, operational excellence, strategic thinking and people-first leadership has delivered measurable, lasting improvements everywhere he has served. ... Agi is not only shaping safer, more efficient railroad operations today, he is setting the standard for the next generation of rail industry leaders.” — Tonya Eggspuehler, UP 

Education: I earned a double major in civil and architectural engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. I further developed my leadership and operational capabilities through UP’s Operations Management Training Program and Leadership Development Program. 

Job responsibilities: My role centers on driving safety performance across a large and diverse operation — working alongside field teams, leaders and partners to reduce risk, improve processes and ensure our people go home safe every day. A big part of the job is connecting strategy to the realities in the field. 

Describe your career path.
My career has been shaped by learning from the ground up and leaning into every opportunity to grow. Starting in the field gave me a deep appreciation for the complexity of the work and the importance of the people doing it. That perspective has stayed with me as I’ve moved through operations into leadership roles and now into engineering safety. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors. Each one brought something different — different strengths, different leadership styles. Over time, I've tried to take the best from each of them and build my own approach. 

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first permanent position at UP was manager of track maintenance. In this role, I quickly developed an appreciation for the standards and discipline required to operate safely and effectively in the field. That experience reinforced lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career — showing up prepared, doing the work the right way and taking ownership even when no one is watching. It also affirmed a core belief I carry today: The strongest teams are built on accountability, trust and a shared commitment to looking out for one another. 

What sparked your interest in the rail industry? What told you it could be a place for you to thrive?
I didn’t set out to build a career in rail — it found me. I started as a summer intern in what was then the methods and research group, now engineering infrastructure. What drew me in wasn't just the work, it was the people. There was a level of pride that pulled me in. Day in and day out, people showed up ready to answer the call — rain or shine, no excuses — united by the understanding that they were part of something larger than themselves. That mindset stuck with me. What began as an internship quickly turned into something more. I didn’t plan for rail, but I fell in love with it: the purpose, the challenge and the responsibility that comes with it. 

What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career?
The best ideas don’t come from the top — they come from the field. When you take the time to listen to the people doing the work and involve them in the solution, you get better outcomes that last.

What are your passions outside of work?
Outside of work, my focus is on family. I also prioritize staying active and investing in personal growth, whether that’s through personal fitness, continued education or growing in my role as a father and husband. Those priorities shape how I show up each day and keep me grounded in what matters most.

How do you plan to keep making an impact in your corner of the industry?
For me, it’s about staying connected to the field and continuing to challenge how we do things. There’s always a better way, whether that’s through data, technology or simply learning from experience. My goal is to help build systems and teams that consistently deliver safer results.

What’s the biggest challenge confronting the rail industry today?
Balancing change with consistency. We’re facing new pressures — whether it’s workforce, technology or environmental conditions — while still being expected to operate safely and efficiently every day. The organizations that succeed will be the ones that adapt without losing discipline in execution.