LAS VEGAS, April 27 — The annual meeting of the BLET Western General Chairmen’s Association (WGCA) concluded here on April 20 with the election of officers, following a three-day meeting.
Elected to one-year terms were: Chairman Pat Williams (General Chairman, BNSF-former Santa Fe); Vice-Chairman Mike Young (General Chairman, Union Pacific, Eastern District); and Secretary-Treasurer Rick Gibbons (General Chairman, BNSF-former STL-SF).
Also elected as members of the Executive Committee were Matt Wilson (General Chairman, BNSF-MRL) and John Reynolds (General Chairman, CN–Wisconsin Central). Warren Dent (General Chairman, Union Pacific–Southern Region) was elected as the Alternate Secretary-Treasurer.
“We had a very successful meeting, and I can tell you that the presentations and discussions we had were beneficial to our attendees and in the end will help them better serve their respective memberships on the various properties,” Chairman Williams said.
The Association’s membership includes the General Chairmen from the Western portion of the United States and meets for the purpose of discussing a wide-range of issues. They heard informational presentations from the Railroad Retirement Board, the Federal Railroad Administration, and BLET Designated Counsel.
BLE National President Dennis Pierce, First Vice President Lee Pruitt, National Secretary Treasurer Bill Walpert, and Vice President & National Legislative Representative John Tolman all appeared before the group and made detailed reports.
President Pierce congratulated all officers on their election and thanked them for the opportunity to address the body.