Our Staff

The RSI staff is available to answer your questions about membership or the rail supply industry. We strive to give you the information you need to succeed as a supplier. Our staff has over 50 years of cumulative experience working with Congress, U.S. Agencies such as the Department of Transportation, and with the railroad and rail supply industries.

The Railway Supply Institute, Inc.
425 Third Street, S.W. Suite 920
Washington, D.C 20024
(p) 202-347-4664
(f) 202-347-0047
(w) www.rsiweb.org

Thomas D. Simpson, President

As President of the Railway Supply Institute, Tom Simpson works diligently to promote the rail supply industry and issues that affect its business. Simpson has been with RSI since 1988 and has over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining RSI, Tom worked at the Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Simpson champions the cause of rail suppliers and ensures that the association is properly represents its membership by thoughtful oversight and assistance of the Board of Directors. RSI’s main goals are to connect members to their customers and partners, support the improvement of the industry, assist members in the global marketplace, and represent the industry during the regulatory and legislative process.

In addition, Simpson oversees all RSI legislative and advocacy activities in Washington, DC, with particular emphasis on freight railroads, freight cars, hazardous materials, truck sizes and weights, tax and railroad safety legislation. Tom also manages the RSI Committees on Quality Assurance, Standard Coupler Manufacturers, State Taxation, Tank Cars, and Equipment Leasing. Tom also serves as Executive Director of the American Railway Car Institute.

Nicole Brewin, Assistant Vice President

Nicole is the government relations liaison for RSI and its membership. She joined the RSI staff in 2001 and previously worked as a Transportation Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill  handling transportation issues such as rail safety, surface transportation program and high speed rail.

Areas of Responsibility:  Nicole monitors legislative and regulatory matters pertaining to the rail supply industry with particular emphasis on Amtrak, SAFETEA legislation, rail tax credits and rail investment. She also manages the RSI Washington Affairs Committee and sits on several rail coalitions such as OneRail.  In addition, Nicole coordinates Railroad Day on Capitol Hill with the Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

Robyn Leach, Office Manager

Robyn is a long time staff member of RSI and manages and coordinates the numerous operations at RSI including financial functions, staffing, and administrative duties. Robyn also helps to organize RSI events such as trade shows, board meetings, and the Quality Assurance conference.

Amanda T. Patrick, Membership & Marketing

An integral part of the RSI staff, Amanda joined RSI in July 2008 after working Cassidy and Associates, where she worked as an assistant for Former Congressman Jack Quinn.  In 2011, Amanda was selected as member of the 2012 class of the ASAE Leadership Academy for Young Professionals, a two year program for emerging association leaders who want to gain leadership techniques and experience.

Areas of Responsibility: Amanda works in membership development, marketing, and trade shows. This includes member outreach and acquisition, maintaining the database,  trade show management, publications, and website development and maintenance.