1.800.514.0010

Apply Now
Account Login

LECMPA Announces New Leadership Promotions

LECMPA Announces New Leadership Promotions

  • April 22, 2022

Locomotive Engineers & Conductors Mutual Protective Association (LECMPA) has announced new leadership appointments and enhancements, ensuring that the Association remains the premier provider of wage loss protection to union transportation workers in the United States and Canada.

“Even with more than 111 years of service powering us, LECMPA has been exploring all-new ways to provide members with better benefits and more peace of mind – which is especially important given the pandemic and the economic aftershocks it’s creating,” said Rod Bloedow, LECMPA president. “These promotions are part of that effort, demonstrating the value of key contributors to our railroad community and to our Association’s long-term success.” 

Key new team roles include: 

Bob Brown Appointed Vice President Union Relations; Retired Marketing Director takes on new challenges  

As Vice President Union Relations, Brown continues to leverage decades of goodwill he built with officers of the various railroad labor organizations as the retired Western Region Marketing Director. He is serving as LECMPA’s liaison at International, National, Regional and General Committee meetings scheduled throughout the year and will periodically assist the Home Office on special initiatives.  

“The Association thanks Bob for his many years of service, sales leadership and vision,” Bloedow said. “We commend him on his tremendous 21-year career as Marketing Director. The Association has long maintained close fraternal ties to our friends in the labor community. Bob will continue to foster and strengthen them.”  

Former Western Region Marketing Director Leslie D. Laswell first appointed Brown as an agent in September 2000. In July 2001, Former President William L. Davis elevated him to State Manager, Washington.  

In November 2005, Former President Susan Tukel promoted him to Western Region Marketing Director. During Brown’s tenure, he led the successful charge to bring in membership from the railroad non-operating crafts and UPS markets.  

LECMPA went on to surpass its competition and become the largest North American provider of wage loss protection to transportation workers.  

Cameron Reeves Appointed Marketing Director – Western Region  

As Western Region Marketing Director, Cameron assumes sales leadership for Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.  

Reeves was appointed as an Agent in May 2011, then Super Agent in March 2012, by then-California State Manager Buzz Reeves. Tukel promoted him to State Manager, California, in February 2017, and State Manager, Nevada, in August 2017.  

“Cameron has a drive to deliver, always supporting our initiatives with tenacity and enthusiasm and inspires his teams to do the same,” said Bloedow, “Cameron has rightfully earned many accolades from LECMPA – including becoming our State Manager of the Year in 2020 and leading his agents to earn top sales awards each of the past five years.” 

Kenneth Romero, Appointed Marketing Director – Great Plains Region 

As Great Plains Region Marketing Director, Romero assumes sales leadership for Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.  

He was first appointed Agent in October 2004 by Louisiana State Manager Don Hill. He was promoted to State Manager, Louisiana, and New Mexico in March 2021.  

“Ken is a gifted communicator and a natural at conveying the importance of wage loss protection to railroaders,” said Bloedow. “We’re proud of Ken’s accomplishments and are excited to see him continue to grow in this new role.” 

A New Era for Service 

William Yates continues in his role as Eastern Region Marketing Director. Together, Reeves, Romero and Yates aim to make LECMPA the job insurance provider of choice for all railroad workers and their families throughout the United States and Canada. 

Introducing the 2022 LECMPA State Manager Roster

  • Mark Bleckert: ID, NV, UT
  • Diana Brady: KY, OH, TN, WV
  • Mike Clark: ND
  • Ronnie Clemons: LA
  • Steve Cook: IA, KS, MO
  • Scott Copeland: NC, SC, VA
  • George Gilbert: AZ
  • Rodney Guthrie: NE, SD, WY
  • BB Harry: AL, FL, GA, MS
  • John Holecz: IL, WI
  • JD Howard: AR, OK, TX
  • Adam Moiles: DC, DE, MD, PA
  • Thomas Ragghianti: WA
  • Edward Risher, Jr.: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT
  • Cary Sherrow: MT, OR
  • Jim Surma: MN
  • Dwayne Tafoya: NM
  • Shari Tomac: IN
  • Mark Zanders: CA, CO

In addition to restructuring the national railroad teams and modernizing its digital tools and marketing, LECMPA also has recently upgraded its membership benefits. For instance, the Referral Program now pays $100 for each referral that leads to a new member. Plus, its upgraded Loyalty Appreciation Program rewards retiring members with increased, tax-free payouts based on daily coverage and years of membership. 

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Gil Clark
Marketing Manager – Trucking/Logistics/UPS

I was employed by UPS for 38 years, serving as a package car driver and feeder truck driver from St. Louis to Earth City, MO. I served as a union shop steward for 25 years. My wife and I have two children and two grandchildren. My hobbies include travel, property rehabilitation, and spending time with family.

I strongly believe in our product. I was a LECMPA policyholder myself and I’m personally committed to making sure my union brothers and sisters are aware of the peace of mind our coverage can provide. My mission is to continue to reach, teach, and guide others on this valuable asset that solely protects your income should you be placed in the position of suspension or termination.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Cameron Reeves
Marketing Manager – Western Region

I am a 4th generation railroader, and becoming a railroader myself seemed like the natural decision — it was all I knew. I started as a manager with Union Pacific for 10 years and I have been a trainman for the past 16 years. I was a yardmaster in South Oakland, MTO in Stockton, CA, and a Senior MTO in Roseville, CA. I’ve been in Stockton, CA since I returned to train service and I am the Vice Local Chairman for Division 283 out of Oakland. My wife Christina and I have four children — Rylee, Haley, Hannah, and Cade. My free time is mostly spent following my daughter from softball field to softball field as she tries to earn her college scholarship. I also enjoy going to concerts with my wife. I’ve been with LECMPA for 11 years. I do what I do because I enjoy the travel,  and the most rewarding part of this job is being able to call our members when their claim has been approved.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Kenneth Romero
Marketing Manager – Great Plains Region

BNSF was hiring after my time in the Army ended. It was the best job in the area with the best benefits. I worked in the Illinois/Chicago Divisions then transferred to the Gulf/Red River Division. I have been assigned to several locations throughout my 24 years of service, including Galesburg IL, Chicago, Peoria, West Quincy, Creston, IA, Lacrosse, WI, New Orleans, and Lafayette, LA. My wife Jennifer and I have four kids — Olivia, Angelle, Zachary, and Beau, and one Grandson, Casey Jr. Throughout my 20 years with LECMPA, I’ve loved going above and beyond to help people. Our job isn’t just about selling insurance. It’s about making sure that they have peace of mind knowing that they will be taken care of if something were to happen.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Wiley Yates
Marketing Manager – Eastern Region

I was hired on as an assistant signalman with CSX Transportation in May of 1990, before being granted a signalman position on a maintenance team in Tampa, FL. I have worked as an electronic signal specialist in the CSX Dispatch Center in Jacksonville, FL for the last 31 years. I am also the Vice General Chairman of the SE General Committee of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for over 32 years and have three children. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time traveling with my family, fishing, and playing golf. I started as an LECMPA Florida State agent in March of 2009. I truly enjoy working for LECMPA, as it allows me to help fellow transportation workers protect their income against heavy-handed discipline handed down by big corporations.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Bob Brown
Vice President, Union Relations

I started working for Union Pacificat at just 18 years old. I went back to school in 1986, earning a BA in economics. I worked in the railroad industry for 32 years, with UPRR from 1972-1986, WCRC from 1986-1996, and BNSF from 1996-2005. My assignments have included: Maintenance of Way, Brakeman, Conductor, Engineer, Agent, Dispatcher, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Marketing. My union roles have included serving as a Local Chairman. My wife Donna and I have four sons, Jeremy, Sean, Cody, and Jerry. I enjoy hobbies such as scuba diving, traveling, motorcycles, fishing, and golf. I have been with LECMPA for 23 years. My greatest reward is when a member calls to thank me because his claim was paid. We save homes and families — what could be better?

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Bob Brown
Vice President, Union Relations

I started working for Union Pacificat at just 18 years old. I went back to school in 1986, earning a BA in economics. I worked in the railroad industry for 32 years, with UPRR from 1972-1986, WCRC from 1986-1996, and BNSF from 1996-2005. My assignments have included: Maintenance of Way, Brakeman, Conductor, Engineer, Agent, Dispatcher, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Marketing. My union roles have included serving as a Local Chairman. My wife Donna and I have four sons, Jeremy, Sean, Cody, and Jerry. I enjoy hobbies such as scuba diving, traveling, motorcycles, fishing, and golf. I have been with LECMPA for 23 years. My greatest reward is when a member calls to thank me because his claim was paid. We save homes and families — what could be better?

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.