WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 24, 2025 – The Association of American Railroads announced Steve McNealy as the recipient of the 2025 Holden-Proefrock Award. The award recognizes McNealy’s contributions to environmental safety and hazardous materials management.  

During his career spanning four decades, McNealy has risen from the diesel shop to senior leadership at Kansas City Southern Railway (now Canadian Pacific Kansas City). His tenure has been characterized by a drive for innovation, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to safety. 

His accomplishments include enhancing risk assessment frameworks to hazmat shipments and leveraging GIS mapping to strengthen emergency preparedness and response. Leveraging his experience at KCS, he also helped shape industry standards through his work with the AAR Tank Car Committee, Hazardous Materials Committee and TRANSCAER.  

Understanding the critical importance of emergency response and preparedness, McNealy played a pivotal role in enhancing first responder training in both the U.S. and Mexico. This commitment is evident in his long-standing partnership with the Louisiana State Police Hazmat Team and his instrumental role in developing the Joint Emergency Services Training Center in Zachary, LA. McNealy also contributed to the Mississippi Fire Academy and the Security and Emergency Response Training Center in Pueblo, CO, donating equipment and expertise to elevate national preparedness. 

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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