James Carey

James Carey is the Assistant Vice President of External Relations at Union Pacific Railroad, where he represents the company’s interests before federal legislators and regulators in Washington, D.C. A seasoned executive with over a decade at Union Pacific, Carey plays a pivotal role in shaping policy outcomes that impact the railroad’s vast ecosystem, from its employees and shareholders to its customers and the communities it serves.

Before his current appointment, Carey was based in Houston, Texas, serving as General Director of Petrochemicals. In this role, he oversaw a national sales team responsible for business development, account strategy, and high-level negotiations within Union Pacific’s petrochemical division. His previous leadership as Sales Director of LPG & Petroleum, where he was known for cultivating strong client relationships, laid a solid foundation for his upward trajectory. Since joining Union Pacific full-time in 2010 following a college internship, Carey has held diverse roles across the company’s Marketing and Sales organization, working in key markets including Omaha, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Houston.

Carey also brings entrepreneurial experience to his professional portfolio. Alongside his cousin, he co-founded CGS Developers LLC, a real estate venture focused on revitalizing Texas neighborhoods through opportunity zone developments offering innovative financing solutions.

A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Carey earned his B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Outside of work, he is an avid traveler and cross-training enthusiast who remains committed to community service. He currently resides in Washington, D.C.