OMAHA, Neb., March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- Union Pacific's board of directors today named Gayla L. Thal senior vice president – Law and
general counsel. Thal succeeds J. Michael
Hemmer, who will serve in an advisory role until retiring
later this year.
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Thal has nearly 32 years' experience with the railroad, most
recently serving as vice president – Law and chief compliance
officer. She previously held leadership roles in the areas of Law,
Claims and Risk Management. Thal earned her Bachelor of Science
degree from University of Nebraska at
Kearney and her law degree from Creighton University.
"Gayla has successfully managed a comprehensive list of Union
Pacific's operational risks and legal issues. In these leadership
roles, she has helped improve Union Pacific's reputation in tandem
with our outstanding service, safety and performance records," said
President and CEO Jack
Koraleski.
Union Pacific promoted Michael L. Whitcomb to vice president – Law and
chief compliance officer, succeeding Thal. Whitcomb has more than
33 years' experience with Union Pacific, most recently serving as
assistant vice president – Law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts
degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, MBA from California State University and law degree from the
University of Denver.
Bob Belt has been promoted to
assistant vice president – Law. He has 13 years' experience with
Union Pacific, most recently serving as general solicitor. Belt
earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver, MBA from
Pepperdine University and law degree
from Washburn University.
"While we will miss Mike Hemmer
when he retires later this year, he transformed our Law
department. He leaves behind a great legacy of service,
dedication and excellence – not only at Union Pacific but also for
the entire industry," Koraleski said.
About Union Pacific
It was 150 years ago that Abraham
Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union
Pacific. One of America's iconic companies, today Union Pacific
Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific
Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western
two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions
and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000
through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making
needed investments in America's infrastructure and enhancing its
ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and
environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union
Pacific's diversified business mix
includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy,
Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad serves many of the
fastest-growing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent
customer service. Union Pacific
operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and
Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways,
connects with Canada's rail
systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.
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SOURCE Union Pacific