Donald Spainhower is a seasoned executive with nearly four decades of experience in railroad engineering, maintenance, and safety management. His career is defined by a commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic innovation. Guided by his personal mission—“to empower and inspire those around him through effective leadership and deep subject matter expertise”—Spainhower believes in the principle of “doing well by doing good,” striving to create a positive impact while achieving professional and personal success.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky and an Associate of Science in Civil Engineering from Ashland Community College, Spainhower has built a career rooted in technical expertise and hands-on leadership. His professional journey includes key leadership roles at major railway organizations, where he has successfully led complex projects, enhanced operational efficiency, and fostered a culture of safety and compliance.

Currently serving as a Project Manager at National Railroad Safety Services, Spainhower oversees contract reviews and the implementation of CIC Flagging Services for Union Pacific. His responsibilities include ensuring compliance with railroad standards, coordinating flagging operations, and developing training programs aligned with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations. His role underscores his dedication to operational safety and workforce development.

Previously, Spainhower served as Assistant Vice President of Engineering for the American Region’s Southwest and Rail Service Divisions at Genesee & Wyoming Railroad. In this role, he led capital investment planning, managed projects exceeding $100 million, and played a pivotal role in executing crisis grants totaling $150 million. His strategic leadership streamlined five-year capital planning efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of critical railroad infrastructure.

Spainhower’s tenure as Director of Engineering at Genesee & Wyoming Railroad further solidified his reputation as a problem solver and strategic planner. He optimized capital investments, reduced derailments, and enhanced track safety while ensuring regulatory compliance. His ability to align financial resources with corporate objectives resulted in increased operational efficiency and safety improvements across the organization.

Beyond executive leadership roles, Spainhower has been instrumental in workforce development and efficiency improvements. As a Project Manager at GW Peoples Construction Company, he successfully reduced hiring process duration from three months to 45 days, optimized cost management strategies, and increased profit margins from 11% to 25%. His collaboration with the Washington Metropolitan Transit Association (WMATA) ensured the successful execution of a high-profile 50,000-tie renewal project.

Earlier in his career, Spainhower held leadership positions at Union Pacific Railroad, where he managed large-scale track maintenance and infrastructure projects. As Manager of Track Programs and Director of Track Maintenance, he was responsible for overseeing critical safety initiatives, optimizing capital expenditures, and leading teams to achieve record-setting safety milestones. His leadership helped implement rail change-out processes that improved compliance with FRA guidelines and achieved an impressive 16-month period without a workplace injury.

Spainhower’s influence extends beyond his professional roles. He is an active member of industry organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association. A dedicated community leader, he also serves as a church deacon and youth group leader.

With a career defined by innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safety, Donald Spainhower continues to shape the future of the railroad industry. His ability to build high-performing teams, drive efficiency, and implement strategic initiatives positions him as a trusted expert and respected leader in railroad engineering and operations.

Character
Donald Spainhower is a dedicated and results-driven leader who upholds the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism, consistently fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and teamwork in every organization he serves.

Knowledge
With decades of experience in railroad engineering, maintenance, and safety management, Donald Spainhower possesses an in-depth understanding of industry regulations, project execution, and operational best practices that drive continuous improvement and compliance.

Strategic
Donald Spainhower excels in long-term planning, capital investment management, and crisis grant execution, ensuring that infrastructure projects and operational initiatives align with organizational goals while maximizing efficiency and financial performance.

Communication
Donald Spainhower is an effective communicator who collaborates seamlessly with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, ensuring clarity, alignment, and successful implementation of complex projects and safety initiatives.