GoRail President Michael Gaynor Dies; Freight Rail Advocate

GoRail President Michael Gaynor dies after 18 years, leaving a leadership void as freight rail investment surges, impacting advocacy efforts.

GoRail President Michael Gaynor Dies; Freight Rail Advocate
January 29, 2026 12:39 am
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • GoRail President Michael Gaynor has died following a battle with cancer, the freight rail advocacy organization announced.
  • Gaynor had an 18-year tenure at GoRail, rising from a state organizer in 2007 to president in 2025.
  • His death creates a leadership vacuum for the influential nonprofit as states like Pennsylvania increase freight rail investment, funding 30 new projects in 2026.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michael Gaynor, who was named president of the freight-rail advocacy group GoRail in 2025, has died after a battle with cancer. Gaynor first joined the nonprofit coalition in 2007, serving for 18 years in roles of increasing responsibility, from a state-level organizer to leading the organization’s national field operations.

CategorySpecification / Detail
IndividualMichael Gaynor
OrganizationGoRail
Tenure2007 – 2025 (18 years)
Final PositionPresident (Appointed 2025)
Key Career MilestonesMidwest Organizer (2007), National Field Director (2010), AVP Field Operations (2015)
Organization TypeNonprofit freight-rail advocacy coalition

Advocacy and Industry Context

Gaynor’s career tracked a period of significant focus on freight rail infrastructure. GoRail’s primary mission is to build support for freight rail among community leaders and policymakers. The success of such advocacy is reflected in state-level infrastructure programs. For example, Pennsylvania recently funded 30 distinct freight rail projects in 2026. Eight of these projects are located in the state’s southwestern region, a key industrial corridor. This type of targeted state investment underscores the policy environment Gaynor’s team worked to shape.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on FirstGroup’s expanded role, here’s a look back at the announcement of their £3 billion London Overground contract with TfL.

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Impact on Freight Rail Advocacy

The loss of Gaynor leaves a void in the leadership of one of the sector’s key advocacy bodies. His successor will inherit the challenge of promoting rail’s public benefits amid complex industry dynamics, including potential Class I railroad mergers and sustained demand for supply chain efficiency. In a prepared statement, GoRail officials noted Gaynor’s “enduring imprint” and his role as a “tireless advocate for freight rail.” The organization has not yet announced a succession plan. Gaynor is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two children.


FAQ: Quick Facts

Who was Michael Gaynor?

He was the President of GoRail, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that advocates for freight-rail transportation.

How long did Michael Gaynor work at GoRail?

He was with the organization for 18 years, from 2007 until his death in 2025.