Railway Interchange 2019

RSI General Session – Supplier Diversity Panel: Why the Rail Industry is Expanding its Supplier Diversity Programs and How to Get Involved (Room 101HIJ)

Supplier Diversity:  Why the Rail Industry is Expanding its Supplier Diversity Programs and How to Get Involved

This session will provide an overview of Class I railroads’ supplier diversity programs and information about how new diverse suppliers can apply to do business with them.  Representatives from BNSF and Union Pacific – the nation’s two largest Class I railroads – will talk about their supplier diversity programs and why they are important to their respective companies.  A representative from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) will also provide information on how potential or current suppliers to the railroad industry can become certified as women-owned businesses and leverage WBENC’s resources to identify new business opportunities.

Speakers: 

Leigh Ann Vernon, Director, Strategic Sourcing and Supply, BNSF Railway 
Wes Hutcherson, General Director, Strategic Sourcing, Union Pacific 
Jillian Schneeberger, Senior Director- Marketing, Programs & Business Development, Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)