WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 25, 2026 – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) announced Ken Dorsey as the recipient of the 2026 Holden-Proefrock Award. The award recognizes Dorsey’s contributions to environmental safety and hazardous materials management.   

During his nearly 30-year career with the freight rail industry, he has risen from equipment foreman and hazardous materials responder at the Santa Fe Railroad to system mechanical engineer with BNSF to Tank Car Safety Executive Director with AAR. His tenure reflects a deep commitment to steady leadership in high-pressure situations, service, and technical excellence—all qualities acquired during his time serving in the United States Air Force.  

Dorsey has contributed significantly to freight rail by leading the development and overseeing the implementation of critical tank car safety standards, like 117R valve protection requirements, protective housings for non-pressure cars, and rules for carrying flammable liquid, which have helped lead to record safety gains across the industry. He also improved operational processes for tank car and service equipment approvals and strengthened collaboration among key safety, industry, and government partners. Earlier in his career, he was instrumental to several high-impact safety investigations which led to notable wheel and tank enhancements.  

The Holden-Proefrock Award is named in honor of Roy Holden, a former AAR employee and an innovator in tank car design, damage assessment and safety, and Art Proefrock, a former Hulcher Emergency Services employee who pioneered hazardous materials transportation emergency response.  

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