Keynote Speakers

Monday General Session

Captain Mark Kelly, astronaut and retired Navy combat veteran will give the opening keynote address at the AREMA 2018 Annual Conference & Exposition. With an extraordinary career of service to our military, our nation and humanity, Kelly will captivate the audience with lessons learned from his extensive travels and experiences in the Navy, outer space and on the ground. From leading teams in some of the most dynamic environments imaginable, to the thrill of spaceflight, and the recovery and resilience of his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, he will reveal the foundations for success, so you can accomplish your mission in life and work.  Kelly, an American hero, will demonstrate how focus, dedication and persistence can help you tap into your potential to succeed in any competitive setting.  

Tuesday Annual Committee Chairs Luncheon

Nominated by President Donald J. Trump on July 10, 2017, and confirmed by the United States Senate on February 13, 2018, Ronald Batory is the fourteenth Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Batory is a widely respected and highly regarded railroad industry professional with more than 45 years of experience serving in numerous operational, administrative and managerial positions. Batory earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971 from Adrian College in Michigan, and a Master of Arts degree in 1975 from Eastern Michigan University. Batory is a native of Detroit, Michigan and resides with his wife Barbara, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a Life Member of AREMA.

Wednesday Railway Industry Update

Anthony “Tony” Hatch has been a Senior Transportation Analyst on Wall Street for over thirty years, starting at major financial institutions prior to starting his independent analyst/consultancy in 1999, working with partners MillerTabak and CV Brokerage. Mr. Hatch's coverage has been focused on the freight transportation segment, particularly surface transportation. Mr. Hatch is known for his knowledge of the intermodal area, where the various modes of freight transport converge, on which he has held several dozen specialized conferences.


 Mr. Hatch has been providing not only “traditional” institutional transport research but also providing “bespoke” research such as due diligence and other services to “new” players in transport investment such as private equity, infrastructure and hedge funds in such areas as intermodal, rail maintenance and construction, railcars and 3pls. He has created a series of research partnerships such as with PLG Consulting (2015) on petrochemical transport, and an equity marketing partnership with CV Securities. Along with Progressive Railroading magazine he co-founded, co-presents and leads “Railtrends”, the most comprehensive railway conference every fall in NYC.