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Progressive Railroading and RailTrends® have named Union Pacific Corp. Chairman James R. Young the 2012 recipient of their "Railroad Innovator Award," which recognizes an individual's outstanding achievement in the rail industry.

After rising through UP's ranks in the 1980s and 1990s, Young was named president and chief operating officer in 2004, and took the Class I's CEO reins in late 2005. During the past decade, he helped convince UP's board to invest billions in the railroad to ensure it has the capacity to meet customers' needs and expectations. Young also spearheaded a culture change designed to help North America's largest railroad hire and retain top talent, as well as keep current and future UP leaders engaged with employees and customers alike.

In March, Young took a medical leave from his president/CEO duties while he is being treated for diagnosed pancreatic cancer. As chairman, the customer-focused Young continues to help keep the Class I on the incremental improvement path.

Due to health issues, Young will not be able to receive his award at RailTrends, which  will be held Nov. 1-2, 2012, at the W New York in New York City. But Progressive Railroading and RailTrends will acknowledge Young and his award at the event.

Progressive Railroading/RailTrends previously presented Railroad Innovator Awards to Kansas City Southern Executive Chairman Mike Haverty in 2011, BNSF Railway Co. Chairman and CEO Matt Rose in 2010, and former CN President and CEO (and current Canadian Pacific President and CEO) E. Hunter Harrison in 2009.