The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC), a U.S. trade association representing railway contractors and suppliers, announced today that Michael McGonagle has been named Vice President of Government Affairs & Operations.  

McGonagle is currently responsible for the NRC’s day-to-day operations. In this newly created role, he assumes the additional responsibility for government affairs and advocacy activities for the NRC as well as its sister association The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA). McGonagle will collaborate with NRC and REMSA members, Members of Congress and staff, government regulators, and industry leaders to advance the interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transit and passenger lines. His new responsibilities include coordinating Capitol Hill visits and grassroots events at member facilities and project sites as well as advocating for members’ interests regarding government regulations and legislation.

McGonagle began his career in association management six years ago starting as an intern. Since joining NRC in 2018, he has gained progressively more responsibility while serving as director of operations, senior director of operations, and vice president of operations, with responsibility for NRC and REMSA grassroots events added in 2022.

“Mike has excelled in this job over the past six years and is ready for an expanded role. He knows how to cultivate and build vital connections between association members and decisionmakers in Washington,” said Matt Ginsberg, president of TGA Association Management Solutions, LLC (TGA AMS), which provides government affairs and association management services for the NRC and REMSA. “Mike understands the railroad construction and supply industries and will be a strong advocate for our member companies.”

The NRC is a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, maintain and supply freight railroads and rail-transit and passenger lines. Founded in 1978, the NRC connects members with other railway industry professionals and government officials and policymakers. The NRC collaborates with its members, government, and industry leaders to create a positive business climate and to make railway construction and maintenance safer and more efficient.