Speaker's Curriculum Vitae

Jack Thomas

Mr. Thomas has been involved in Rail Transportation for nearly 40 years. He received his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and his J.D. Degree from Loyola University. Mr. Thomas started in the rail industry for the Milwaukee Road Raiload in Chicago where he became Superintendent of Transportation. He left the Milwaukee Road to join Trailer Train Company to head up Car Management for the newly formed Nationwide Box Car Pool. Mr. Thomas became Assistant Chief Transportation Officer at Trailer Train in 1980.

He left Trailer Train in 1987 to become Vice-President - Sales for Chrysler Rail Transportation where he was responsible for the sales and marketing function of a major rail car lessor.

Effective May 1, 1994, Mr. Thomas started a new railcar leasing firm, as President of First Union Rail, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo. First Union Rail has grown to nearly 90,000 units and is among the largest lessors in the United States.

Mr. Thomas is currently a member of the AAR Associates Board of Directors and a member of an outside Advisory Board for a major component supplier.

Mr. Thomas has also served as President of The Traffic Club of Chicago.

jack.thomas@wachovia.com