The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) announced today that Union Pacific Chairman, President and Chief Executive Lance M. Fritz will be the keynote speaker for the fireside chat portion of its annual conference, which will be held January 5 through 8, 2022, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz.

Always the highlight of its annual conference, the NRC’s fireside chat features a candid and far-ranging discussion with a Class I chief executive. Fritz is expected to share his insights about Union Pacific, the issues confronting the rail industry, and the state of commerce across North America and beyond.

NRC Chairman Jim Hansen, who serves as chief commercial officer for Herzog, and NRC Vice Chairman Steve Bolte, who serves as vice president of business development – North America for Danella Companies, will jointly lead the fireside chat.

“The fireside chat is a unique opportunity to have an informal and open discussion with an influential industry leader. The railway contractors and suppliers who attend our conference look forward to it because the conversation is geared specifically to their interests in building and maintaining critical infrastructure,” says Hansen. “We are excited to hear from Mr. Fritz, not only because of Union Pacific’s significant influence on the industry, but also his background and role in understanding and directing business around the world.”

Fritz began his career with Union Pacific in 2000 and has served as chairman of the board, president and CEO since 2015. He previously worked for Fiskars Inc., Cooper Industries and General Electric. He is a graduate of Bucknell University and earned a master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Fritz serves as a member of the board of directors of Parker-Hannifin Corporation and the Georgia Institute of Technology president’s advisory board. He serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Association of American Railroads, chair of the Business Roundtable trade and international committee, and is a member of The Business Council.

Registration for the 2022 NRC conference is now open. Check here for details regarding the conference lineup, registration, hotels, and the NRC-REMSA exhibition.

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.