Whited was part of the inaugural Women in Rail event in 2022 as Executive Vice President–Sustainability and Strategy and returns in 2024 in her new role. She has led multiple functions across the Class I railroad—spanning Strategy, Marketing and Sales, Sustainability, Finance, Investor Relations and Workforce Resources—and is a founding member of UP’s LEAD (Lead, Educate, Achieve, Develop) women’s initiative. She is also a 2021 Railway Age Women in Rail Honoree.
“Women in Rail is a fantastic opportunity for female railroaders to connect and inspire one another,” Whited says. “After more than 35 years in the industry, I’ve learned the importance of making bold decisions and creating a culture that supports and enables women to succeed. I look forward to sharing my journey and being energized by fellow attendees.”
Whited will be joined at the 2024 Women in Rail Conference by key industry women and allies including Jennifer Homendy of the National Transportation Safety Board, Brandy Christian of Patriot Rail, India L. Birdsong Terry of Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Karen J. Hedlund of the Surface Transportation Board, Michael Miller of Genesee & Wyoming, and many more.
This year’s conference will not only feature instructive panels covering everything from mentorship to advancing current skillsets that match evolving technologies, but also a luncheon for Railway Age’s 2023 Women in Rail and RT&S’ 2024 Women in Railroad Engineering award honorees, and a tour of Metra’s rebuild shop and training center.
Meet Beth Whited
Since being elevated to President on Aug. 14, 2023, Whited has been responsible for strategy, workforce resources, sustainability, law, corporate relations, and government affairs functions, reporting to Jim Vena.
Previously, Whited served as Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Strategy and Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role for 18 months, she helped lead the development and implementation of UP’s strategic vision and oversaw its sustainability initiatives, guiding efforts to reach net zero by 2050.
Whited joined UP in 1987 and has held a variety of executive roles, including President of subsidiary Union Pacific Distribution Services. She has also served as Chief Human Resource Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Additionally, she led the Chemicals business for four years and was Vice President of the railroad’s National Customer Service Center.
Whited is a member of the Board of Directors of RPM International Inc., where she serves on the Compensation Committee. She is also a member of the Humanities Nebraska Board, the Omaha Symphony Board, and the Aksarben Foundation Board of Governors.
Supporting Organizations
Industry support for the Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference is strong, including sponsorship and promotional partnerships with: TrinityRail (platinum), RailWorks (cocktail reception), CSX (gold), AITX (case study); CN (luncheon); R. J. Corman (registration), Amsted Digital Solutions (bronze), Genesee & Wyoming (bronze), Norfolk Southern (bronze), Union Pacific (morning coffee break), Edna A. Rice Executive Recruiters, Inc. (morning coffee break), The National Association of Railway Business Women, and The League of Railway Women.
Learn More
View the full program for Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail 2024. Register early to save!
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jonathan Chalon at jchalon@sbpub.com or (212) 620-7224. View the sponsorship kit >>
Don’t Forget!
Through Oct. 1, Railway Age is accepting nominations for its 2024 Women in Rail Awards program, which will honor 20 trailblazers for their achievements in our November issue. These outstanding railroaders will be selected based on their leadership, vision, innovation and accomplishments. This award celebrates female leaders in rail and pioneers with a track record of breaking down barriers and helping to create industry opportunities for women. Entries will be judged by KellyAnne Gallagher, CEO of the Commuter Rail Coalition, and Barbara Wilson, Senior Advisor at Railroad Financial Corporation—both of whom will participate as session speakers and moderators at the Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference. Submit your nomination now >>
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