Union Pacific Celebrates Leadership Development Program Graduates

Front row, from left: John Gorman, Director, Continuous Improvement; Sudha Garikapati, Senior Director-Tech; LaKeisha Gatson-Dunham, General Director-Strategic Services; Ashley Sutera, Director-Marketing; Tonya Conley, Senior Counsel; Kate Ottoson, Director-Corporate Finance; Sarah Vogel, Senior Director-Train Management; Dao Tran-Young, Director-Crew Management Service Operations; Dan Culbertson, Senior Director-Talent Acquisition; Marco Villarreal, Superintendent-Train Operations; and Mike Shults, Superintendent-Train Operations. Back row, from left: Joshy Madathil, Senior Director, Tech; Frank Sierawski, General Director-Audit; Von Cloy, Senior Director-Equipment Distributing; John Boone, General Director-Signal; Mike Kadar, Director-Locomotive Engineering and Quality; Brian Leslie, Superintendent-Train Operations; Jacquelyn Clark, Senior Counsel; and Daniel Laudenbach, Superintendent-Train Operations.

Union Pacific recently honored 19 Leadership Development Program (LDP) graduates at a ceremony in Omaha, bringing together leaders from across the railroad to celebrate its 30th cohort.

“Your leadership is essential to driving Union Pacific’s strategy,” said President Beth Whited, who delivered the event’s opening remarks. “I challenge you to use your learnings from LDP to better our railroad and build leaders around you.”

The multi-session program provides high-potential employees with the resources to develop a personal leadership style that reflects Union Pacific’s vision, purpose and values. Learning activities are centered around the railroad’s four stakeholders, with a focus on building the company’s talent pipeline.

Polly Harris, vice president-Human Resources, recognized each of the new graduates with a certificate before Tonya Eggspuehler, assistant vice president-Talent Management, presented the 2023 LDP Leadership Award to Von Cloy, senior director-Equipment Distribution. Each cohort honors a member they feel epitomizes the program’s leadership traits and competencies.

“Von’s leadership prowess is truly exceptional, inspiring and guiding others toward shared objectives. His dedication to continuous learning is commendable, actively seeking opportunities for growth and sharing newfound knowledge with the leadership team,” said Eggspuehler, sharing an excerpt from the cohort’s nomination.

Throughout a seven-month period, the cohort participated in leadership and business simulations; engaged in sessions with executives and senior leadership; delivered projects and presentations; and gained insight through Washington D.C., customer and Operating site visits.

The 19 leaders join a growing list of more than 400 employees who have graduated from LDP since it was introduced in 2000.