Dear RSI Members,
On behalf of the Railway Supply Institute Board of Directors, I am pleased to share our perspective on the appointment of Thomas Jensen as RSI’s new president and why the Board believes he is uniquely qualified to lead our organization during this chapter in our organization.
Over the past year, the Board has taken a thoughtful look at the evolving needs of RSI and the broader railway supply industry. The environment in which our members operate continues to become more complex. Rapid technological innovation, shifting regulatory requirements, changing trade dynamics, supply chain difficulties and workforce challenges have created both significant opportunities and serious headwinds for our industry.
As a result, we knew that we needed a strategic advocate, a coalition builder and a transformational leader who could elevate the influence of RSI and help position our members for long-term success. We wanted a president who would effectively represent the interests of railway suppliers before Congress, federal agencies, industry stakeholders and key decision-makers while also ensuring strong alignment and engagement among our members. The position requires someone capable of combining strategic vision with practical execution, while maintaining the collaborative culture that has long defined RSI. Throughout the search process, Tom consistently demonstrated the qualifications, experience, and leadership qualities that distinguished him as the right choice for RSI.
Tom brings more than three decades of experience in government affairs, public policy, transportation advocacy and executive leadership. His career reflects a deep understanding of the complex intersection between industry and public policy. Those experiences have equipped him with a sophisticated understanding of the policymaking processes and the ability to navigate complicated regulatory environments on behalf of stakeholders.
Equally important, Tom has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build consensus and strengthen industry coalitions. At RSI, success depends on bringing together companies with different perspectives, priorities and business models while advancing a common agenda that benefits the entire railway supply community.
The Board also recognized Tom’s ability to think beyond today’s challenges and focus on the future. Tom understands how policy, innovation and industry growth are interconnected. His leadership experience across established industries and emerging technology sectors positions him to help RSI remain forward-looking while staying focused on the practical needs of our members.
As we move through the remainder of this year, the Board’s priorities are clear. We will continue strengthening RSI’s role as the leading voice of the railway supply industry. Working alongside Tom, we will focus on enhancing our advocacy efforts, increasing engagement with federal policymakers and regulators, amplifying member perspectives on key industry issues and ensuring that RSI remains a trusted resource for technical expertise and industry insight.
Looking further ahead, our vision for RSI is ambitious. We will continue advocating for policies that support innovation, safety, sustainability and economic growth throughout the rail supply chain. We aim to strengthen relationships across government, industry and stakeholder communities while positioning railway suppliers as essential partners in the North American economy.
We are excited about the future and confident that, together with our members and under Tom’s leadership, RSI will continue to grow as a respected and influential voice for the railway supply industry.
Thank you for your continued support, engagement and commitment to RSI.
Sincerely,
Greg Dalpe
Chair, Board of Directors, Railway Supply Institute
Executive Vice President, Freight Car Services, Progress Rail