Colorado, Canada Rail: Safety & Leadership Shifts

Introduction

Steve McNealy, a veteran of Kansas City Southern Railway (now Canadian Pacific Kansas City), has been awarded the 2025 Holden-Proefrock Award for his contributions to environmental safety and hazardous materials management. Concurrently, the Front Range Passenger Rail District in Colorado has appointed Salvatore “Sal” Pace as its permanent general manager, as the district progresses with its intercity rail service plans.

Main Content

Holden-Proefrock Award

Steve McNealy has been recognized with the 2025 Holden-Proefrock Award, which acknowledges his work in environmental safety and hazardous materials management. During his 40-year career, McNealy advanced from the diesel shop to senior leadership positions at Kansas City Southern Railway, now part of Canadian Pacific Kansas City.

McNealy’s Contributions

McNealy’s achievements include improving risk assessment frameworks for hazardous materials shipments and utilizing GIS mapping to enhance emergency preparedness and response. He also contributed to the development of industry standards through his participation in various committees and initiatives. Furthermore, McNealy significantly aided in improving first responder training in both the United States and Mexico.

Front Range Passenger Rail District: New Leadership

The Front Range Passenger Rail District in Colorado has appointed Salvatore “Sal” Pace as the permanent general manager. Pace brings over a decade of experience in passenger-rail policy, coalition building, and public infrastructure development to the role.

Pace’s Priorities

As general manager, Pace will prioritize several key areas. These include preparing a district-wide referendum for voter approval; leading outreach efforts to mayors, legislators, county commissioners, business leaders, labor unions, and community organizations; fostering public trust through visible progress on the Northwest route through joint service; and ensuring comprehensive station area plans for all district communities. The district is mandated by state law to develop and operate intercity rail service from Wyoming to New Mexico.

Conclusion

Steve McNealy received the 2025 Holden-Proefrock Award for his work in environmental safety, while Salvatore “Sal” Pace has been appointed as the permanent general manager of the Front Range Passenger Rail District in Colorado.

Company Summary

Kansas City Southern Railway (now Canadian Pacific Kansas City): A railway company where Steve McNealy spent his 40-year career, rising to senior leadership positions.

Front Range Passenger Rail District: A Colorado-based district responsible for developing and operating intercity rail service from Wyoming to New Mexico.