For Mark Hanigan, building the future of rail starts with investing in people.

That commitment to mentoring students, young professionals, and emerging industry leaders has earned him Progressive Railroading's Rail Mentor Award. He is among the inaugural recipients of the award, which recognizes professionals for their positive impact, mentorship, and industry engagement.

“This recognition reflects Mark’s technical leadership and his commitment to investing in others,” said Ryan Kosola, Rail Sector Leader. “He leads by example, prioritizing mentorship and helping others grow while continuing to deliver for our clients.”

As a senior client consultant within our Rail Sector, Mark serves as the primary point of contact for emerging rail clients, connecting their needs with the right expertise to help deliver successful projects. He is known for his thoughtful approach, strong communication skills, and ability to align people, resources, and opportunities for success.

Beyond his client work, Mark is committed to developing the next generation of rail professionals through mentorship, industry engagement, and workforce development initiatives.

“The future of the rail industry depends on attracting and developing talented people,” Mark said. “I was fortunate to have mentors who helped me understand the opportunities available in rail and navigate the early stages of my career, and I’ve always wanted to provide that same support to others.”

He also believes mentorship is a two-way street. Mentees bring “questions, perspectives, and ideas that challenge us to think differently and promote continued growth,” he says.

Mark is actively involved in Olsson's mentoring program, Nebraska Transportation Center's Tracks to the Future initiative, and student outreach through the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). He also helped establish an AREMA student chapter at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, with efforts ongoing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“These chapters create opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals, explore career paths, receive mentorship, and engage with the rail industry early in their careers, helping strengthen the profession's future workforce,” he said.

Mark is passionate about increasing awareness of rail careers in his home state of Nebraska.

“Our state has incredible educational institutions, industry partners, and transportation resources,” Mark said. “When we help students and young professionals better understand the opportunities available in rail, we create a stronger pipeline of future talent. Their energy, innovation, and technical expertise will play an important role in advancing the industry for years to come.”

The Rail Mentor Award recognizes professionals across the industry who are helping strengthen the rail talent pipeline through sustained mentorship and leadership. Progressive Railroading selected honorees through a competitive nomination process that highlights individuals making a measurable impact on their mentees’ careers and the strength of the rail workforce.

For more information, visit www.progressiverailroading.com/railmentorawards.