About the Workshop
Hosted at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, this immersive workshop combines classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises focused on derailment investigation, analysis, and prevention methodologies.
Due to the hands-on nature of the program, future workshop attendance will remain limited to preserve the small-group learning experience.
We are currently exploring future offerings that may include expanded field activities and an extended workshop format.
The workshop is held at the U.S. DOT FRA-owned Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado, the largest rail testing facility in the world, spanning 52 square miles with over 50 miles of test track. Operated by ENSCO, TTC is also home to the Ambipar Response Training Center (ARTC), the world’s largest hazmat training site. TTC is a secure, controlled-access campus focused on transportation safety, innovation, and training.
Attendees should bring steel-toed boots, which are required for field access, and a notebook or tablet for taking notes. All other personal protective equipment (PPE) and training materials will be provided on site.
Both. The workshop blends classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises conducted at real derailment sites across the TTC campus. You’ll spend time in both settings to reinforce technical understanding with real-world application.
Yes. This course is appropriate for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re involved in safety, operations, maintenance, or investigation, the content is designed to be accessible and informative. Instructors guide participants clearly through technical content and leave time for practice and questions.
TTC is accessible via two major airports. Denver International Airport (DIA) is approximately 115 miles or a two-hour drive from Pueblo, and Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is about 45 miles or one hour away. Once registered, you will receive a list of recommended hotels and local travel tips.
The workshop will cover the technical aspects of derailment investigation, including root cause analysis, derailment cause codes, measurement techniques, and prevention best practices. It will not cover topics such as fatality, injury, or grade crossing investigations; HAZMAT spill response; coordination with FRA, NTSB, or local authorities; or regulatory paperwork submission procedures.
Yes. Lunch will be provided each day in the TTC cafeteria. Attendees are responsible for their own breakfast and dinner. Light snacks and drinks are also available throughout the day.
The workshop runs daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For those who opt in during registration, there is an optional two-hour site tour on Friday morning following the workshop.
Who Should Attend
What You’ll Gain
Participants leave with the confidence and practical skills to perform derailment investigations, document scenes, apply cause codes, and improve incident prevention strategies within their organizations.
Gerhard “Gery” Williams is Executive Vice President, Service Delivery & Operations, serving in this role since July 2022. Gery leads an organization focused primarily on safely and reliably delivering Amtrak services to customers, operating and maintaining the company’s core railroad assets – including infrastructure and rail car and locomotive fleets – and driving process improvement and efficiencies across the Amtrak network.
Service Delivery & Operations (SD&O) consists of the Transportation, Mechanical, Infrastructure Maintenance & Construction Services (IMCS), Customer Service Stations, Onboard Services and Food & Beverage, California Operations, Operations Integration and Network Support functions.
Gery had served as Senior Vice President, SD&O, since January 2022 and was responsible for the newly created IMCS group, which encompasses engineering production and maintenance functions. He also led day-to-day core service delivery across the SD&O organization, driving continuous improvement to safety, customer service and productivity.
Prior to joining Amtrak in June 2017 as Vice President and Chief Engineer, he had spent almost three decades at CSX Transportation. Gery held a wide range of senior leadership roles, including Vice President, Mechanical Operations; Chief Mechanical Officer – Locomotives; AVP Network Operations – Locomotive Management; and Division Manager. In his last position at CSX as VP, Mechanical Operations, he reported to the Chief Operating Officer and directed a team of 3,800 employees responsible for the maintenance and repair of a combined fleet of 70,000 locomotives and rail cars. Early in his profession, Gery held various positions including trainmaster, manager of safety and terminal manager.
Across his long railroad career, Gery has consistently demonstrated collaborative and data-driven leadership and an ability to manage complex transportation, mechanical and engineering challenges successfully, with safety and efficiency.
Gery graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Engineering. He also holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.
Executive Vice President,
Service Delivery & Operations