Delegates with the BMWED Allied Federation elected leadership Tuesday during its 2024 quadrennial convention in Indianapolis, setting the path forward for the next four years.

Brother Brian Thompson was elected to a four-year term as General Chairperson by acclamation. The remainder of the Allied Federation officers elected to four-year terms are as follows:

Brother Nate Trawick, First Vice Chairman

Brother Brian Thies, First Vice Chairman, Secretary-Treasurer

Brother Pat Quigley, Vice Chairman

Brother Jim Wilson, Vice Chairman

Brother Todd Taylor, Vice Chairman

Brother Tom Boyd, Vice Chairman

Brother Kevin O’Neal, Vice Chairman

Brother Ron Pogose, Vice Chairman

Brother Nate Beard, Vice Chairman

Brother Brandon Fuhrhop, Vice Chairman

Brother Kenneth LeFrance, Vice Chairman

Brother James Cox, Vice Chairman

Brother Anthony Brumley, Vice Chairman

Brother Randy McDonald, Vice Chairman

Brother Brice Herron, Vice Chairman

“Your new general chairperson is a smart, intelligent, motivated person and he will do an excellent job for all Allied Federation members,” BMWED President Tony Cardwell said of newly elected G.C. Brian Thompson. “He’s well-read on the issues, the contract, and he is a fighter that will stand up to management.”

The delegation also considered a collection of bylaw amendments, most notably a call for direct elections, which produced some serious yet polite debate. In the end, it was overwhelmingly decided that delegate election of officers allows for the most engaged and well-versed members to make critically important decisions, equipped with the best grasp of the issues facing the Allied Fed.

Recognition was also paid to acting General Chairman Nate Trawick, who took over the top post of the Allied Fed on Jan. 1 when longtime G.C. Brother Dennis Albers retired.

Allied members who lost their lives on the job were also paid a solemn moment of respect and remembrance. The delegation was reminded to stay vigilant on safety rules and precautions. They are there to keep us alive and everyone must commit to prioritizing our safety on the worksite.

The BMWED has instituted an accident investigation team to hold the railroads accountable and prevent management from covering up mistakes or obfuscating their role in any accident. It has proven valuable and keeping carrier management honest and answerable to the safety of our membership.