Rail Resources - The Association of American Railroads with President & CEO – Ian Jefferies
Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode, our Season 3 Finale, our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads! Together they discuss why the AAR was created, who the AAR is, what they do, all the tremendous resources they offer their members and the industry as a whole, including resources like their subsidiaries RailInc and MxVRail. Ian also gives his thoughts on industry highlights from 2025, and what he’s looking forward to in 2026. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!
KEY POINTS:
- The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
- In addition to his role as President & CEO of the AAR, Mr. Jefferies also serves as a Board Member for Railinc, MxV Rail and GoRail.
- Formed in 1934, the AAR has been the leading voice for the freight rail industry, driving policy, research, and technology, to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, DC, the AAR advances sound public policy that supports the interests of the freight rail industry, ensuring they continue to meet America’s transportation needs today and tomorrow.
- As the standard-setting organization for North America’s railroads, the AAR establishes safety, security and operating standards that provide seamless and safe operations across America’s nearly 140,000-mile freight rail network.
- The AAR’s expert economists prepare weekly, quarterly and annual statistical reports that provide insight into the operations of North America’s freight railroads.
- Through its two subsidiaries, Railinc and MxV Rail, the AAR supports continued research and development projects that enhance the safety, security and efficiency of the railroad industry.
- Ian gives us his industry highlights of 2025, and shares what he’s looking forward to in 2026.
- Stay tuned for our first episode of Season 4!
- Thank you all for your support over our first 3 seasons! Please continue to share and leave 5-Star reviews!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX
President & CEO of the Association of American Railroads
Mr. Jefferies began his career in government serving as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, before transitioning to the federal government. Ian then worked for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Government Accountability Office. In these roles, Jefferies led program reviews on a variety of issues including infrastructure development, international trade, major weapon systems acquisition and federal contracting.
From 2009 to 2013, Ian served as a senior policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. In this role, Ian provided policy guidance on a host of transportation issues, including railroad economic regulation, rail safety and passenger rail. Mr. Jefferies also led the successful development, negotiation and reauthorization of major infrastructure legislation and managed the successful conference of Committee legislation relating to the 2012 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Law, MAP 21.
Prior to assuming the role of President & CEO of the AAR on January 1, 2019, Mr. Jefferies was the Senior Vice President of the AAR’s Government Affairs where he led the development, promotion and implementation of legislative priorities for the AAR. As the Association of American Railroads (AAR’s) President and CEO, Ian advocates for, and works with member railroads to ensure the continued viability of America’s railroad industry. Ian also serves as a Board Member for RailInc., MxV Rail and GoRail.
Mr. Jefferies received hi… Read More