Council Of Chiefs (Advisory Board)

Gregory Robinson is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in rail transportation and aerospace engineering. He graduated from Florida A&M University with a degree in electronic engineering and has held various leadership positions in companies such as McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Corporation and Miami-Dade Transit. As the General Superintendent of Rail Transportation, he was responsible for overseeing control centers, rail yards, and train operations. Gregory recently joined the (Transportation Resource Associates) as a Senior Consultant and he is also a proud member of COMTO (Community of Minority Transportation Officials) and has previously served as the President of its Miami Chapter.

William "Big Brother" Bates 

is a veteran transportation professional and nationally respected rail safety and labor leader with over four decades of experience in passenger rail operations, policy, and advocacy. A graduate of Louisa County High School, he attended Bridgewater College and later completed a Certificate in Applied Studies in Transportation and Logistics Management at the University of Richmond in 1998.

William began his railroad career in 1981 as a Conductor with the RF&P Railroad and went on to serve 35 years as a Conductor with Amtrak, retiring in 2021. In 2008, he was elected Legislative Director for the District of Columbia at SMART Transportation Division, becoming the first African American State Legislative Director in the 140-year history of the United Transportation Union.

In 2010, William was appointed by the Barack Obama Administration to the Transportation Rail Advisory Committee for Safety and was later reappointed. He also served as Co-Director of the SMART Transportation National Safety Team from 2012 to 2021. Today, he continues to shape the future of rail as a Board Member of Virginia High Speed Rail.

“Safety is not a policy—it’s a promise we make to every worker and every passenger, every day.”

Toure' "Reds" Thomas was born in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and is the proud father of two children. He attended Florida Memorial College (HBCU) and comes from a family with a rich history in the railroad industry, being a 3rd generation railroader. His great-uncle, "Popeye" Reese, was a Sleeping Car Porter and an active member of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Union, the first African American union in the United States.

Having worked in various industries, including Florida Power & Light and Bisazza North America, Toure' discovered his passion for creating and maintaining professional relationships with clients. However, it wasn't until he started working as a Trainmen on the Northeast Corridor that he found his true calling. With 17 years of experience on the rails, Toure' has been able to connect, inspire, and lead from within the fellowship of the rails.

In 2016, Toure' founded the Trainmen Social Club Organization, further solidifying his commitment to the railroad industry and the community within it. With his diverse background and skill set, Toure continues to make a meaningful impact in his professional and personal endeavors.

Troy "Trouble Man" Hailey An accomplished professional with a (BA) in Human Development and Education from Binghamton University. With over 12 years of experience as a Trainmen, he has honed his leadership and organizational skills in a dynamic industry. 

Co-founder of the Trainmen Social Club, Troy has been instrumental in fostering community among railroad professionals and their families. His passion for education and community service is evident in his role as a leader and director of several nonprofit organizations in the DC Metropolitan area. Over the past 18 years, Troy has dedicated himself to helping over 3,000 students gain acceptance into colleges and universities, making a significant impact on the lives of young people in his community.

Troy’s commitment to education and community development continues to inspire those around him, as he strives to create opportunities for future generations.

Mechelle Merkerson serves as Secretary, supporting effective governance through strong organization, clear communication, and a commitment to transparency. She brings a strategic, detail-oriented approach that helps ensure continuity and accountability in support of the organization’s mission.

A Certified Cigar Sommelier and International Cigar Educational Specialist, Mechelle is the creator of Cigars with “M”, an educational platform with over 189 episodes dedicated to making cigar culture more accessible and inclusive. Her work centers on education, storytelling, and community engagement.

Mechelle also consults with brands and retailers on marketing strategy and audience growth, and partners with lifestyle companies to curate educational experiences. Her blend of industry leadership, collaboration, and authenticity makes her a valuable asset to the board.

Eric Hawkins is a Newark, New Jersey–based creative with an uncommon blend of blue-collar grit and independent film artistry. A 25-year veteran of the railroad industry, Eric has spent decades mastering a demanding profession while quietly building a parallel life in filmmaking. That dual experience—discipline by day, imagination after hours—shapes the grounded, authentic voice found throughout his work.

With a background in independent film, Eric specializes in writing and directing character-driven stories that lean into realism, atmosphere, and emotional honesty. His films reflect the rhythms of everyday life, often inspired by working-class environments and the people who inhabit them. Several of his projects have found homes on streaming platforms, where his distinct storytelling style continues to reach new audiences.

Whether on the rails or behind the camera, Eric Hawkins is driven by consistency, craft, and a deep respect for the stories that often go untold.

Jarad Jackson was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and relocated to Richmond at an early age. Growing up, he heard stories of his great-grandfather, who worked on steam engines for the Seaboard Railroad in the 1930s—stories that would later shape his own path in the industry.

Today, Jarad is a proud fourth-generation railroader with 17 years of service as a trainmen, carrying forward a family legacy rooted in discipline, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to safety. His career reflects a deep respect for the responsibility that comes with moving people safely each day.

Beyond his frontline work, Jarad serves with the SMART Transportation Union as Vice Legislative Director on the Virginia/Washington, D.C. Legislative Board. In this role, he advocates for transportation workers by advancing policies that promote safety, fair labor practices, and the long-term strength of the rail industry.

Johnny “JD” DeQuair is a dynamic motivational leader whose journey from poverty and illiteracy to purpose and progress inspires change. Raised in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward and living independently by age fifteen, JD overcame homelessness, educational stigma, and systemic barriers with relentless determination. Learning to read and write as an adult became a turning point that fueled his passion for education and entrepreneurship. Now a college student in Maryland with nearly 30 credits, JD continues his pursuit of higher education while empowering others to transform fear into strength and belief into action.

“When you believe someone—you nod your head. When you believe in someone—you roll up your sleeves.”

Based in Washington, DC, after relocating from Hartford, Connecticut, Stanley is a locomotive engineer with 13 years of experience at Amtrak and a dedicated leader in health, wellness, and mentorship within high-performance environments. He previously served for three years as a Locomotive Engineering Student Coordinator Road Foreman, where he played a key role in developing future engineers through structured leadership, coaching, and accountability.

Stanley earned an academic scholarship to Mount Ida College, where he majored in English, strengthening his communication skills and ability to mentor with clarity and purpose. He also completed advanced training through TCU, further enhancing his leadership and professional development background.

In his role with Trainmen Social Club, Stanley leads Health & Wellness initiatives, focusing on mental resilience, physical fitness, and sustainable performance for railroad professionals and the communities they serve. A certified life coach, he has mentored over 100 young adults, helping them navigate career pressure, personal growth, and work-life balance in demanding fields.

Stanley is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and physical fitness, emphasizing preventative care, mindset development, and long-term well-being. His work centers on equipping individuals with the tools to remain strong—mentally, physically, and emotionally—while excelling in careers that require precision, responsibility, and resilience.

“You can’t operate at your best if you neglect your health. Strength, clarity, and balance aren’t optional—they’re part of the job.”